VOL. 3 NO. 1 NOVEMBER 2025 From the students of Arcadia High School “I have been swimming as long as I can remember, and I know that I will keep swimming for the rest of my life,” AHS senior Elsa Nunley said. For her, swimming isn’t just a sport – it’s a language. Elsa has been swimming since she was nine years old, and she is now the captain of Arcadia’s swim team. She found her love of the sport thanks to soccer: “Before I started swimming, I was playing soccer, but was not happy going to practice and games anymore, so I decided to try out for the swim team and fell in love with it.” Swimming has changed Elsa’s life immensely, she said, because of the friendships she’s built and the confidence she’s gained. Even through challenges, she’s never considered quitting, and she can’t imagine a life without swimming. “I see myself swimming for the rest of my life in some way, whether on a team, or just going to the pool daily for a good workout because it makes me feel really good,” she said. Over the course of her career, Elsa has faced moments of self-doubt. Participating in such a hard sport can take a toll on someone mentally and physically, and Elsa is no stranger to the feelings. “I would psych myself out because of nervousness and how much I was hurting when swimming as hard as I could.” Now, she competes with full confidence, having learned to trust her abilities and her training. Elsa isn’t just a swimmer, she is a role model for the younger generation, especially her two younger brothers. She gives advice that applies not only to swimming, but to life as well. “Work as hard as you can now so that in the future life will be easier,” she said. “Take advantage of every single opportunity you get – you will never regret it.” – Armeen Ghazanfari HOMECOMING WEEKEND: A RECAP For Arcadia students, homecoming weekend began with an assembly, followed by an annual parade, thrilling football game, and festive dance. These events offered students a chance to celebrate with friends and make memories that will last them a lifetime. Beginning on Friday October 3, the day before the homecoming dance, students were completely immersed in school spirit and celebration. Everyone was packed into the bleachers in the gym, where the electric energy radiating about the room was felt from near and far. There was a great display of school spirit, with all attending participating in a white-out. For the duration of the assembly, students and teachers were all engrossed by each group, from the numerous dance performances to special guests from the Phoenix Suns’ Dunk Team. Shortly after school ended on Friday, students from Arcadia, Ingleside Middle School, and Hopi Elementary School participated in the homecoming parade. Friends and families lined the streets to watch the procession, commencing with the senior class of Arcadia’s float, and their homecoming king and queen, Ian Slater and Claire Christensen. The junior, sophomore, and freshman floats quickly followed, accompanied by the homecoming king and queen of each class. Behind them followed many different clubs and activities, like Arcadia’s cheer team and girls flag football team. On Friday night, students, teachers, and parents arrived at the football field, filled with anticipation of the upcoming game. The Titans, undefeated, faced off against Combs High School, who was undefeated – at the time. Dressed once again in white, Arcadia fans and players were hungry for a win. The student section, affectionately called Chaos Corner, was buzzing with excitement. At the beginning of the second half, students set off color bombs, jumping up and down with liveliness. The Titans finished the game with a score of 37-0, remaining undefeated. The weekend ended with the La La Land - themed homecoming dance, organized by student government members Tessa Dwyer-Kim and Claire Christensen, who have been working on the project since August. With help from the rest of student government, the Arcadia administration, and PTO, they were able to put together a memorable dance that students and teachers will reminisce about for years to come. – Jenna Detwiler Senior Spotlight: Meet Elsa Nunley Varsity and JV cheer hype up the student body at homecoming. PHOTO BY LEILA BENDER Elsa Nunley