18 MAY 2025 By Kylie de Best Veritas Prep’s Mock Trial has been on a roll, winning several regional competitions this season and clinching State once more. This is their fifth win of the last six Arizona State Championship tournaments. After securing State, the groups were invited to compete in Nationals, which will be held in Phoenix May 7-10. At that competition, 46 teams will compete against one another for the title. For each competition, organizers prepare a case, which includes exhibits and three witness statements per side. Each side must have three student attorneys and witnesses and one timekeeper. Student attorneys deliver opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations; student witnesses are questioned on direct and cross-examination. “Mock trial is designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills, public speaking abilities, and understanding of our legal system by preparing to present both sides of a criminal or civil case,” Head Coach William Klain shared. The season consists of three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals. Teams must do well at each level to advance to the next. The Arizona Regional and State Tournaments are single-day competitions in which each team competes in four trials. The top teams advance to a fifth championship. Veritas has three mock trial teams, each named after Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird : Atticus, Scout, and Jem. Atticus, Veritas’ all-female team, took first place out of 48 at the Maricopa County regional competition and first place in a field of the top 16 regional teams. Trinity Lindsay received the Justice Ryan Award (named after the late Justice Michael Ryan of the Arizona Supreme Court) as an outstanding performer in the championship round of the tournament. “I am incredibly honored to have received the Justice Ryan Award,” Trinity said. “He judged for the sake of restoring justice, looking beyond the physical aspects of men and into what is right. As he judged, he gave the truth power instead of himself.” Trinity said her time on the team has helped her practice for real life as the group learns about American law and how to advocate for those who cannot do so for themselves. Ava Bailey and Vivian Keery received the All-State certificates, which are awarded to those who received the highest number of outstanding attorney or outstanding witness awards during the first four rounds of the tournament. For this certificate, each judge in each trial selects one participating lawyer and one participating witness. This was the pair’s first time receiving the award, and they were excited to share their gratitude. “This award reflects the countless hours of dedication that I have put in and my coaching staff, especially my father, have invested in me,” Vivian shared. “I am truly honored to be named one of the top advocates in the state. This is a good luck charm for Nationals!” “I’ve been doing mock trials for four years now and have never been selected for All Region or All State,” Ava said. “That makes me appreciate it that much more, and it represents all the hard work my coaches and I have put into my high school mock trial career.” Good luck at Nationals! Mock Trial team makes its way to Nationals in May (back) Vivian Keery, Trinity Lindsay, Salma Ahmed, Liv Zaki and Avangeline Bailey. (front) Cassandra Klain, Mila Mestaz and Darya Mosallaie. PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM KLAIN The Future of Preventative Healthcare. Every change in your body leaves a trace. Thermal Imaging helps you see it. Using state-of-the-art thermal imaging systems, this non-invasive screening method captures and analyzes your body’s heat emissions to detect physiological changes before symptoms appear. It’s an invaluable tool for monitoring inflammation, injuries, chronic pain and even identifying certain cancers—giving you a proactive advantage. NO RADIATION • NO CONTACT • NO DISCOMFORT FDA APPROVED IN 1982 AS AN ADJUNCT FOR BREAST SCREENING BREAST SCANS • UPPER BODY SCANS • FULL BODY SCANS Take charge of your well-being. Call today for $50 off your first scan! Call 480.284.2222 DENOVOSCAN.COM 4040 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 151 Phoenix, Arizona 85018

19 MAY 2025 By Cliff Summerhill The fourth annual Peace of Mind 5K returns to Arcadia for a second time with a renewed sense of purpose, community, and connection. This year’s race, which takes place on May 10, marks a new chapter for co-founders and sisters Elizabeth Birch and Christina Ramirez, who have partnered with mental health nonprofit Speak Your Mind (SYM) to amplify the event’s mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting healing through movement, nature, and togetherness. “Each year, we’ve partnered with a nonprofit, and this year’s collaboration with SYM has been particularly powerful,” Birch said. “Its mission aligns beautifully with ours, fostering human connection and promoting a positive outlook on mental health. It’s been incredible to watch how this partnership has expanded our reach and amplified our impact.” Ramirez echoed the excitement, describing the partnership as a “game-changer.” “Working with the SYM team has brought fresh energy to the race,” she said. “From expanded outreach to creative fundraising strategies, this collaboration is shaping this year’s 5K into something truly unforgettable.” The Peace of Mind 5K was born from deeply personal experiences.Birch, a survivor of addiction, anxiety, and phobias, felt compelled to create a space where people could openly address their mental health challenges without fear or shame. “When someone breaks a limb, they wear a cast and people rally around them. But when someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, they often suffer in silence,” she explained. “This event is about changing that narrative.” Ramirez credits her sister’s vision and tenacity for bringing the event to life. “Elizabeth’s goal has always been to create a supportive, inclusive event that offers tangible help,” she said. “We’ve been able to offer thousands of dollars in scholarships for mental health services. It’s amazing to know that we’re making a real difference.” The 2025 Peace of Mind 5K promises a joyful, welcoming atmosphere for participants of all ages and backgrounds. This year, it will take place at AZ Falls and will also include local vendors, mental health advocates, music, raffles, and a vibrant community of participants united for a common cause. The funds raised will provide mental health scholarships to individuals who need financial assistance accessing therapy and other resources. Additionally, proceeds will support SYM’s year-round programming, which includes nature- based gatherings, support circles, and free tools for managing mental health. “This event means that people are recognizing we are in a mental health epidemic, and the solutions to our struggles are movement, community, being outside, and talking about what we are struggling with,” Mario Spano, executive director of SYM, said. “This shows we can make a difference by coming together for a cause greater than our individual selves.” Over the years, the impact has been felt far beyond race day. One story that stood out to Ramirez was a conversation with a retired firefighter. “She told me how much it meant to see mental health being addressed so openly, especially for people in high-stress professions who often struggle in silence,” she said. “Her words reminded me why this work is so vital.” Birch added, “Each year, someone tells us that this event gave them hope, that they felt seen and supported maybe for the first time.” The sky’s the limit for the pair, who want to celebrate life in all its complexity and help more people thrive despite their struggles. “Our goal is to continue expanding the scholarships and support we offer. Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and this race is a step toward making that a reality,” Ramirez shared. With big dreams for the future, the sisters envision growing the event to reach statewide – and eventually national – audiences. speakyourmind.men Peace of Mind 5K returns with stronger mission Elizabeth Birch and Christina Ramirez. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH BIRCH PEACE OF MIND 5K WHO: Grownups and kids! WHAT: The Peace of Mind 5K to benefit Speak Your Mind WHERE: Arizona Falls, 5802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix WHEN: May 10, 2025, 7:30 a.m. start time. HOW: Registration is $40 at raceroster.com CHARLES SIDI 480.330.6506 www.CharlesSidi.com Charles@TheBrokery.com 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE CHARLES SIDI Real Estate Professional l o v e a r c a d i a l i v i n g ™ JUST SOLD 3727 E Highland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Represented the Seller JUST SOLD 3237 E Meadowbrook Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Represented the Seller NEW LISTING 3117 E Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,257 Sq Ft