VOL. 2 NO. 06 MARCH 2025 From the students of Arcadia High School By Ahva Ghazanfari With a passion for the game and a commitment to his players, Dean Lamppa has become a cornerstone of Arcadia varsity girls’ tennis, leading them through challenges and triumphs. Coaching and running a sports team is no easy task, yet Coach Lamppa handles each of its elements with grace – and it’s only his second year at the school. When it comes to his philosophy, Lamppa keeps an open mind. He believes in the importance of multiple opinions and listening to each individual player. He said that becoming a good listener was an essential step in becoming a successful coach. “It’s a collaboration of a lot of people. Ultimately I have to make the executive decisions, but really, when it comes to tennis, it’s all about the team,” he said. The coach also makes a point of acknowledging the mental side of the sport, especially since so much of a player’s physical game stems from where their mind is at. How does he do it? The answer lies in repetition and competition. During practices, the coach places a large emphasis on playing simulated matches as they sufficiently prepare the athletes mentally and physically. For Lamppa, it’s all about facing your fears: “You can’t be afraid to lose; people that are better than you are only going to make you better.” Hopes are high regarding the team’s performance in the coming months. Defeating Notre Dame was one of Coach Lamppa’s favorite moments from last season, and he plans to secure even more wins this year. Coach Lamppa inspires success in Arcadia tennis AGORA: ARCADIA’S ART FESTIVAL Every spring, studio art teacher Cira Riccio and her club, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), put together the annual Agora, also known as the AHS art festival. This year, the event takes place on March 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the school’s art department or an arts-related charity. At Agora, art from Arcadia students and pieces from the SUSD feeder schools – Tavan, Hopi, Echo Canyon, and Ingleside – are displayed in the auditorium lobby. Artwork ranges from paintings and drawings to photos and sculptures. Along with the traditional face painting and henna, Agora will offer glitter tattoos and caricatures at this year’s fair. These activities allow NAHS students to show off their skills in real time. There will also be an interactive art piece where friends and family can contribute original works. Student-made items such as ceramics, art prints, and bracelets will be available for purchase. Festivities also include live performances from music students and food trucks. Everyone involved works tirelessly all year and this event truly shows the fruits of their labor. Senior Frida TripkeHughes loves Agora because it displays the versatility of the art department: “We have a lot of great art programs that no one ever sees,” she said. Unlike the many athletes and performing students, this is the one night that’s solely dedicated to Arcadia’s fine artists. – Amelia Guzman TITUS THE TITAN Arcadia High has brought back a beloved character from its history that has been on a hiatus (and whose identity remains anonymous). Titus the Titan, Arcadia’s mascot, has made a triumphant return during assemblies, sporting events, and other important gatherings that are in need of more school spirit. His presence has been greatly missed; the students have seen firsthand all the energy and school spirit Titus is able to bring – whether spotted hyping up the crowd or dancing, and always hitting the dougie. I had the opportunity to interview Titus to find out how the student was drawn to the role. “I felt like the job was something that most students didn’t love but the position took an energetic and playful role which made it feel like a perfect match,” Titus said. And a perfect match it is. Titus is always full of energy and ready to engage the students any chance they get. I asked about how it felt to be representing Arcadia and what it meant to them to be in this role: “It is so rewarding to represent the character that guides our school through our community’s successes.” Titus is such a fun character at Arcadia events; we all hope he will be around for years to come. –Maya Campbell Art One 1/4 V art one gallery | foundation Representing students and local artists of Arizona since 1993 480.946.5076 . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale . artonegalleryinc.com . @artonegalleryinc Rupert by Julian Harr acrylic on canvas 9” x 12” x 0.50” • $120