32 MARCH 2026 By Mark Hays This winter, Arcadia High School student-athletes were celebrated at the All-District Athletic Awards Banquet, an annual event recognizing excellence, leadership and dedication across the school’s sports programs. The banquet not only celebrated athletic excellence but also recognized contributions beyond the field. SUSD Communications Manager Cymphanie Sherman highlighted how these honorees represented the Titans with distinction. Among them was senior football player Ian Slater. “I was the captain of my high school football team, which advanced to the State Championship during my senior year, an experience I will always remember,” Ian said. “I was honored as a First Team All- State selection in the 4A conference and received the Charro Award at the banquet. These recognitions meant a great deal to me because they showed that hard work and dedication truly pay off.” Sherman echoed that sentiment, saying Slater “embodies what it means to be a Titan.” “His ability to make big plays led to him being named 1st team all Desert Sky and 4A conference,” Sherman said. Slater’s football journey began with flag football before he transitioned to tackle football with the Arcadia Youth Titans. Many of the same teammates he played with in youth football competed with him in the championship. He credits his parents as his biggest inspiration, calling them “the hardest- working people I know,” and also admires former NFL wide receiver Julien Edelman, who overcame challenges and, “was never the biggest, fastest, or most recruited guy,” Ian said. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Arizona to study business and economics. Several other Arcadia athletes were honored at the December banquet. Golfer Beck Sage earned high praise from Sherman, who said he is “an outstanding student and represents Arcadia well on the links.” Sage was the SUSD district champion and set a new district scoring record. Tristan Hillson was recognized for her leadership in flag football. Sherman said Hillson “was a true leader in starting the girls’ flag football program,” and highlighted her accomplishments as a two- time all-district selection and two-time Desert Sky first-team all-region player. Another honoree, junior volleyball player Riley Rooney, also received special recognition. “She was a first-team pin hitter,” Sherman said, “and she works incredibly hard both on the court and in the classroom.” “Being selected for the All-District team made me feel like all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off, and being honored for that was really special,” Riley said. The banquet also spotlighted several football athletes. Jax Ashley was described as “one of our defensive leaders,” helping guide the Titans to a State Championship berth and earning first-team defensive back honors for the second straight year. Ryan Jimenez was called “a workhorse for the Titans,” rushing for more than 1,400 yards and earning an Ed Doherty medallion. Quarterback Zach Smith was praised as “the field general for the Titans,” earning Desert Sky Region Player of the Year honors, while defensive back Nicholas McCormack was described as “a true shutdown DB.” Together, the honorees reflect the strength, versatility and commitment that define Arcadia High School athletics. Leadership, records, resilience: Arcadia’s All-District honorees Kedon Slovis, Zach Smith, Ian Slater, Ryan Jimenez, Nick McCormick, Jax Ashley, and Coach BJ Pasquel. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATHAN SLATER Samantha Gagnon, Chase Braden, and Coach Tyler Moore. Beck Sage and Coach Eric Sage. Kedon Slovis and Tristan Hillson. These recognitions meant a great deal to me.