18 APRIL 2025 By Mallory Gleich The Scottsdale Charros Program supports SUSD in various ways – namely, by bringing programs, resources and scholarships to the schools and recognizing the district’s outstanding students and educators with The Scottsdale Charros Education Awards. For the past 60 years, educators in the district have received a personalized plaque and a $2,000 grant from the association. Here are the 2025 Teachers (and students!) of the Year:  Librarian Shawn Huffman Here are a few words from his nomination: “From the moment any teacher or student steps onto campus, Shawn is a reliable source of assistance, whether navigating technology, selecting appropriate literature, or engaging in meaningful conversation. Under his stewardship, the library has transformed into the most inclusive environment on campus, fostering a space where students feel secure and empowered. Educators benefit from his extensive expertise and unwavering support, while his enthusiasm for reading motivates students to explore literature and broaden their understanding of the world.” Student of the Year: Sadie Schwartz An active member of Student Government throughout her four years at AHS, Sadie also serves as the captain of the varsity girls’ soccer team. Sadie participated in the University of Arizona KEYS Research Internship, where she focused on her goal of pursuing pediatric oncology research. She is involved as a youth ambassador at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Here are a few words from her nomination: “Sadie is an outstanding student- athlete who prioritizes her academics and excels in all aspects of her education. She consistently demonstrates maximum effort and embodies the qualities of a remarkable individual. She deeply values learning and has always shown great understanding and respect toward her teachers. Despite facing significant hardships, she has maintained the highest standards for herself both academically and personally.” Student of the Year: Jose Caballero Jose is president of the International Club and participates in the Symphonic Orchestra, National Honor Society, and in Student Government as the senior class secretary. Here are a few words from his nomination: “Jose Caballero has distinguished himself as an exemplary student at Arcadia. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, and his ability to forge connections with students from diverse backgrounds has significantly contributed to fostering a culture of community and inclusivity among his peers. His empathetic and enthusiastic approach to leadership exemplifies the qualities of an ideal student leader.”  Tori Fallon, K-8 Speech- Language Pathologist Fallon has been an SLP for almost five years, three of which have been at Echo Canyon. She grew up in New York and moved to Arizona in 2020. “I love working with all ages, so I am lucky that I was placed at such a wonderful school that allows me to do so,” Fallon said. “I am so thankful to have been chose to win this award!” Here are a few words from her nomination: “As our speech teacher, Tori is responsible for working with all of our students that have speech delays or communication challenges. She always puts her students first and truly cares for each of them. She is patient and kind and her students absolutely adore her! The students are excited to go to speech class.” Kellan Velarde, Preschool/PreK Ms. Velarde, or Ms. V as she is affectionately called by her students, has been immersed in early childhood education almost her entire life. At Echo Canyon, Ms. V takes pride in learning about her students and designing experiences and activities that engage and inspire young learners. Here are a few words from her nomination: “Kellan is phenomenal with her students and she has taken on a plethora of responsibilities to support the school as a whole. She is an active member of our PBIS team, bringing a variety of ideas to share and always willing to implement new ideas in her classroom as a pilot for our school. She is always positive, willing to help and a loving adult for many.”  Courtney Wilson, 3rd Grade Wilson has been in the education industry for over two decades – all of which have been at Hopi and almost all in the third grade sector. “I was absolutely shocked to receive the award but feel honored as I’m surrounded by amazing educators,” Wilson said. “I love working at Hopi because we have such dedicated people helping our kids and such supportive parents.” Here are a few words from her nomination: “Courtney embodies the very essence of what it means to be a caring and effective teacher, and her contributions to our community are remarkable. Her unwavering dedication to her students is evident in everything she does. This deep understanding allows her to set goals and hold her students to high expectations, both academically and personally, fostering a positive and productive learning environment.”  Lauren Ohanesian, 8th Grade Science Lauren started her career as an English Language Arts teacher in 2012 before transitioning to science in 2013. She joined Ingleside in 2017 and has been a part of many different committees, including site council that she currently works on. “Ingleside truly feels like a second home to me. I am grateful for the supportive staff, families, and community that make IMS a wonderful place to work,” Lauren said. “Teaching is my passion, and I am dedicated to providing meaningful learning experiences for my students.” Here are a few words from her nomination: “Lauren goes above and beyond for the school, the students, and her colleagues. She consistently dedicates her time and skills. She assists with professional development, beginning- of-the-year tasks, and behind-the-scenes activities. On top of all this, she has high expectations of her students and cares about their success.”  Katie Khan, Kindergarten Katie Khan has been inspiring young learners at Tavan for the past two years. Before moving to Arizona, she taught both kindergarten and third grade in Virginia. Katie makes learning engaging and meaningful by creating unique, hands- on experiences.” “I’m a firm believer in play-based learning, so I design classroom centers that support students' developmental stages, ensuring they grow academically and socially in a fun and nurturing environment,” Khan said. “I am humbled and grateful to be selected as Tavan's Charros Teacher of the Year!” Here are a few words from her nomination: “Katie is an exceptional teacher whose passion and dedication shine through in everything she does. As a leader for the kindergarten team, she sets a remarkable example for her colleagues. Her love for teaching is evident in the fun and engaging ways she makes learning come alive. Katie seeks innovative ways to improve learning outcomes, and that ambition has made a difference at Tavan.” Introducing the 2025 SUSD Charro Award Winners Shawn Huffman Jose Cabellero Tori Fallon Kellan Velarde Courtney Wilson Lauren Ohanesian Katie Khan Sadie Schwartz WE HAVE MOVED 4600 E Shea Blvd | Suite 100 | Phoenix, AZ 85028 NW corner Tatum and Shea | West of Trader Joes 602.955.8700 • FPSAZ.com IN PRACTICE CELEBRATING EXPERT DOCTORS AND PRACTITIONERS. CONVENIENT SERVICES. EXTENDED HOURS. Our Family Caring for Yours

19 APRIL 2025 By Sherry Sklar For 25 years, Beauty to the Rescue – an annual event by Mane Attraction Salon (MAS) – has been more than a day of elevated beauty and pampering. It has been a community-powered charity event providing financial resources for countless rescued pets, many in dire straits and needing care, shelter, and a second chance. Hosted each spring, the event has raised more than $440,000 and, since 2019, has helped save over 300 animals. Proceeds benefit Phoenix Animal Care Coalition 911 (PACC911), which offers vital assistance through its Critical Care Program. The nonprofit brings together Arizona animal welfare organizations and supports over 100 coalition partners. Events like Beauty to the Rescue highlight the needs of local animal rescues. MAS Owner Chris Knudsen shared that animals foregoing medical treatment are akin to death sentences. They would not be adoptable and would have to be euthanized. “Rescues reach out to PACC911 and say, ‘Hey, we have this (ill) animal, can you sponsor them?’” Chris said, emphasizing PACC’s role in the animal welfare community. MAS’s previous owners, Kendall and Beate Ong, were driven by a love for animals and wanted to leverage their services and location to help the animal welfare community. They launched the event in 2000 to prove that beauty goes beyond appearances and can create lasting change. Chris has been involved in the event since 2008. While he and his wife, Jenny (who co-owns the salon), may not have created the fundraiser, he admits that Beauty to the Rescue is one of the best things they inherited. They look forward to welcoming clients and guests to this occasion each year. For the event, MAS transformed into a vibrant open-air marketplace. Under a 60-foot tent, attendees sipped mimosas and Bloody Marys while music floated through the parking lot. Raffle prizes included a year of beauty, a $500 cash prize, a Bumble and bumble gift basket, and two tickets to Glimmer of Hope, PACC911’s gala in November. Four rescue organizations were featured: Home Fur Good, Hannah Pearl, Love Connection, and Safe Haven. Animals from these rescues were offered for adoption to loving homes. Guests browsed pop-up shops filled with candles, jewelry, and fresh flowers, placed bids in the silent auction, and indulged in sweet treats from the bake sale. Art provided a colorful backdrop, and a massage therapist was available for those looking to unwind. They offered hair services, blow dries, haircuts, and braids, all for a minimum donation. All proceeds raised were donated to PACC911. Marking a significant quarter-century milestone, the team is considering how to evolve the event next year. “When people ask me how they can help, my answer is simple: donate. Even small contributions add up and can make a big difference in an animal’s life,” Chris said. MAS employees are passionate animal lovers to the core. The salon’s energy and passion for giving back to the community are interwoven in the organization. “Plenty of businesses say they give back, but what really matters is whether it actually shows up in what they do every day,” Chris said. “Seeing the impact of that first event hooked me, and it’s been part of our culture ever since.” maneattractionsalon.com Channeling beauty into a powerful act of giving MAS Owners Jenny and Chris Knudsen with PACC911 Vice President Tina Lopez. PHOTO: JOCELYN HENDERSON J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 990-8855 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com merican Family Mutual Insurance Company, .I. & its Operating Companies, 000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 ALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A O-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. NSURANCE DESIGNED WITH OU AND YOUR DREAMS IN IND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. CALL (480) 990-8855 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. 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