26 NOVEMBER 2025 In October, students at Biltmore Preparatory Academy in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program honored Hispanic Heritage Month in a big way. From September 15 to October 15, students engaged in lessons and activities that highlighted the cultural richness of Hispanic communities. Each week, students in the DLI program explored dif ferent Hispan ic cult ures. In their classrooms, they studied history, geography, traditions, and cultural practices, deepening their understanding of the connection between language learning and cultural awareness. During the final week, the focus was on Puerto Rico, and students eagerly prepared for a school-wide parade held on October 15 to celebrate everything they had learned. “We learned about different countries that speak Spanish, like Mexico and Puerto Rico,” shared one kindergartner. The celebration extended throughout the entire campus. The library featured books by Hispanic authors and stories centered on culture. In art class, students learned about influential figures and created original digital posters inspired by their lives and contributions. “We learned about different flags and even made our own alebrijes,” said a second grader. “They are magical creatures that are bright and colorful and are based on animals.” “T he month of activities and celebrations builds on the vision and mission of our school to promote biliterate and multicultural students who can thrive in a diverse world,” first grade teacher Ms. Salazar said. The celebration concluded with a colorful parade showcasing the countries studied throughout the month. Each grade level represented a different country, dressing in traditional attire or the country’s flag colors and presenting artwork to share their learning with family, friends, and the community. By Sherry Sklar Dale Anthony and Debbi Douglas have joined artistic forces to launch a custom company named E. Gladstone Designs. This venture – inspired by their shared passion for creativity, community, and family history – pays tribute to Debbi’s grandfather, William Ellsworth Gladstone “Glad” Anthony, who the family fondly remembers for his warmth and graciousness. “Friends called him Glad,” Dale said, “and we wanted our work to carry that same feeling forward.” The family – three generations of Arizonans – has been residing in Arcadia for more than two decades. With Dale and Debbi living just a few blocks apart, their collaboration is familiar and effortless. Specializing in both 2D and 3D art, each brings their own talents and interests to create gifts thoughtfully designed to be passed down through generations. Their creative venture began in the community and grew through word of mouth. It started with a simple request: to create a centerpiece for a friend’s holiday party. “One of my mom’s friends was putting together a Christmas party,” Debbi said. “My dad painted pots for the table’s centerpieces. Guests raved and encouraged us to do more.” At the time, Debbi’s children attended Prince of Peace. Balancing family life, she began crafting original, monogrammed swings for friends, which quickly became a hit. Dale and Debbi contributed pieces of artwork to silent auctions and raffles for school charities, including Prince of Peace, St. Theresa Catholic School, and Notre Dame Prep. Drawing inspiration from family life, Arizona’s landscape, and the stories shared by their clients, Dale and Debbi seek to capture something profound in each piece they create. Dale specializes in detailed home renderings and painted ceramics. His choice of media – graphite, acrylics, watercolor, and ink – is often tailored to the piece being created. He designs and transforms terracotta blanks into one-of-a- kind objects. His drawings capture family homes, beach cabins, and desert blooms, making personal, meaningful gifts. Debbi has expanded beyond painted custom swings to include decoupage garden accessories, such as watering cans, which she hand-finishes. She works closely with her clients, tailoring her approach to their color palettes and design preferences. “Clients come up with different ideas to decorate their swings,” she explained. “One wanted to gift a swing to her grandmother featuring character drawings of her grandkids; another wanted her children’s handprints on the seat surface.” Debbi is considering working with resin and wood to offer charcuterie boards and serving trays embedded with pressed desert flowers. Their work may differ in media and techniques, but the commonality is that each enjoys the process of creating together. “We’re entering new phases of our lives – as a retiree and empty nester,” Dale said. “Our primary goal is to grow something lasting, anchored in relationships.” E. Gladstone Designs’ mission reflects the values of its namesake: to create heartfelt keepsakes that carry stories from one generation to the next. Instagram: @e.gladstonedesigns Father-daughter duo creates custom art from the heart Biltmore Prep celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Students were encouraged to dress in traditional Hispanic wear for the parade. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DEMAR The month promotes multicultural students who can thrive in a diverse world. Dale Anthony and Debbi Douglas PHOTOS COURTESY OF E. GLADSTONE ART Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Teaching Service 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH