VOL. 2 NO. 05 FEBRUARY 2025 From the students of Arcadia High School By Amelia Guzman Every year, Arcadia theater students put on two performances. While the fall show is typically some sort of play – such as Clue, The Canterbury Tales or Radium Girls – the spring show has traditionally been a musical. Legally Blonde, Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief: The Musical have The Lightning Thief: The Musical have The Lightning Thief: The Musical all graced the stage at Arcadia High. These acts are especially tough, as they challenge the actors to flex their drama muscles while putting their singing and dancing skills to the test. At the same time, these annual performances allow theater students to showcase their talents while also learning something new – and leaning into the more technical side of things, since the stage, props, and costumes are all found and built by the students. This year, Arcadia theater director Richard Fairchild chose Seussical the Musical – a comedic tale – for the the Musical – a comedic tale – for the the Musical spring performance. Audiences will see and remember cherished characters from childhood, such as Cat in the Hat and Horton from Horton Hears a Who transporting them into the familiar worlds of Dr. Seuss’s books. Arcadia senior Karlee Larche-Albee said one aspect she’s excited for is the Arcadia Orchestra, who will be playing live music from the pit during the performance. Check out Suessical on March 27, 28 and 29. ACT TEST-TAKING TIPS This spring, third-year high school students have an opportunity to take the ACT (a free entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions), which will help them with college applications next semester. Good luck to all who are taking the test – and if you need, here are a few tips to help you succeed: Practice, practice, practice. The ACT website has free questions available for each section of the test. Do these; it’s important to anticipate what kind of questions will be asked and how they will be asked. Answer the practice questions and then review them. Read all the answer choices carefully. Some questions on the ACT will ask you for the best response or the one that makes or the one that makes or the most sense. Reading all the answers will help you eliminate incorrect answers. The ACT is designed to be quick and test your ability to work fast. If you are a slow test taker, or one who prefers to look over your answers, practice answering the questions quickly. Set a timer when taking practice tests to ensure that you are answering the questions quickly enough and are able to complete them all during the actual test. The ACT does not penalize for incorrect answers. Don’t leave anything blank! – Maya Campbell VALENTINE’S DAY – IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS With the upcoming arrival of Valentine’s Day, we teenagers tend to scramble over affordable Valentine’s gifts that our significant other will enjoy. At the end of the day, it comes down to a common but meaningful phrase: “it’s the thought that counts.” Here are some creative ways to show others you love them without breaking the bank. Personalized handwritten notes Nothing says “I care” better than a handwritten note or letter. Taking time to sit and write about your feelings can really mean something to your significant other, friend, or family member. Photo collage or scrapbook Scrapbooking might seem outdated, but such an activity can turn out to be an amazing keepsake for your special person. Photo collages and scrapbooks are excellent ways to summarize the status of someone’s relationship through pictures of your adventures. Friendship bracelets Channel your inner creativity and create matching bracelets for you and your special person. As teenagers, we’re constantly looking for a new and unique accessory, so why not make something special only you and your better half can wear? Whether you celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or February 14 like any other day, it’s important to remember that the holiday is ultimately about connection. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day all about the thought behind our gifts. – Brooke Waddle Seussical the Musical Contact ads@arcadianews.com or call/text 602.840.6379 The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Guide is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . MARCH 2025 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 2/14 A directory of local providers A directory of local providers art one gallery | foundation 480.946.5076 . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale . artonegalleryinc.com . @artonegalleryinc Representing students and local artists of Arizona since 1993 Mirror, Mirror by Herb Schultz • acrylic on canvas • 48” x 48” x 1.50” • $1,300

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