June 2026, page 34 | Arcadia News

June 2026

34 JUNE 2026 By Michael P. Murphy It’s no secret that Carol Ann Michaelson has a passion for education. She boasts an impressive list of academic accomplishments, each one leading to the place in life where she is now as interim principal at Xavier Prep. Next year the interim title will be dropped, and she will serve as the school’s new principal. “My passion for education began in high school,” she said. “I’m a Xavier alum, graduated in 1989. Boston College, a Jesuit university, attracted me because it was one of the top schools in the country. I finished my master’s degree in higher education administration, and that’s where I thought my path would lead.” But that path brought her back to Phoenix, and she returned to Xavier as a volunteer while applying for a position related to her education. Sister Joan Fitzgerald, Xavier’s principal at the time, put Michaelson to work in the development office, where she worked on the school’s first Blue Ribbon Awards application and helped digitize the school library. “From there I got involved with a lot of different things,” Michaelson said. “By the end of that year a teaching opportunity opened in the theology department. Sister Joan encouraged me to apply. The next year I was teaching theology to freshmen, which was wonderful.” In 1998 she received an intriguing opportunity to shift to an administrative position and held the title of Director of Student Records for the next 27 years. She stayed in that position after being named interim principal. The sisters encouraged her to pursue the permanent principal position, and after a lengthy application and interview process she learned she got the job while watching the beach volleyball team. It didn’t take long for the news to get around the campus, as faculty and students were genuinely excited for her. Now, it’s time to look ahead. “My first year will be to talk, listen, and discern how the students, faculty and parents feel about the school and what they’re hoping for. Taking it slow, to see where I can make an impact but not make any major changes,” she said. As this new chapter begins, another ends. The extremely popular and beloved Sister Lynn Winsor has retired after 52 years on staff. She began her long association with the school as a student in 1958. Her impressive 49 years as athletic director includes 163 state championship titles and 73 state runners-up honors, but there was so much more to this sister. “She really is the heart and soul of Xavier,” Michaelson said. “She’s the biggest Gator fan out there. She truly loves the school. If you were to go back and ask any student who’s been here who they remember, Sister Lynn would be at the top of the list.” Michaelson continued, saying that Sister Lynn is one of a kind, a real ideas person, with an energy and enthusiasm that is unmatched. “A real extrovert who loves talking with people and getting to know them. She has a genuine interest in people’s lives, and she’s very caring,” she said. Sister Lynn will retire to the Mount Carmel Motherhouse in Iowa, but she leaves Xavier Prep with an unmatched legacy and a motto she impulsively uttered during announcements many years ago. LBF, Let’s Be Friendly , a reminder to be welcoming to people outside the campus and be kind to one another. Looking for ward, Carol Ann Michaelson’s path to being principal has led to the firm foundation of excellence in education and athletics that Sister Lynn Winsor will leave behind. Passing the torch at Xavier Prep By Sherry Sklar Anne Stupp was not just a loyal friend and philanthropist but a force of nature, someone who made the seemingly impossible look effortless. A catalyst for good, she quickly marshaled resources and brought people together to achieve ambitious goals. After she passed, she left a lasting legacy that will carry on. Her work with Power Paws Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to children and adults with disabilities, helped raise critical funds to support training, programs, and the organization’s mission. Elaine Starks, executive director, recalls the first time Anne proposed hosting a charity dinner in August, the dog days of summer, with just two weeks to plan and promote the event. “I reacted like that kid from ‘Home Alone,’ when he put his hands to his face and was screaming,” Elaine said with a laugh. “After I got off the phone, I’m like, ‘Oh God, how are we going to do this?’” Organized by Anne, with assistance from Carolyn Ellis (owner of Arcadia Farms Café in Scottsdale), the Dog Days of Summer Paw-ty dinner sold out in seven days, drawing approximately 100 guests and raising more than $10,000 for the organization. The proceeds helped Power Paws hire its first marketing director in 25 years. This would not be the only time Anne gave her time and resources to Power Paws. “Anne started as a client but quickly became a friend and a very engaged community supporter,” Elaine said. She worked with major organizations around the Valley and served as a board member of Ability360, a nonprofit resource center in Phoenix. Power Paws joined the Ability360 campus in 2023, a move that streamlined operations and strengthened connections with other organizations serving individuals with disabilities. Anne chose the smaller nonprofit because it held a personal meaning for her as a person with a disability. Elaine met Anne in 2019 after she adopted her companion dog, Coco, a 2-year-old goldendoodle placed by the agency. During their first meeting, Coco placed her head on Anne’s lap, sparking an instant connection. Power Paws provides both companion dogs and service dogs. “Companion dogs may have social skills that exceed the focused temperament that a service dog requires,” Elaine said. Coco and Anne were inseparable, often seen together in the community, at lunch or meetings. The organization primarily uses labs and retrievers as service dogs, though other breeds may be placed as companion animals following careful evaluation. Power Paws relies on volunteers to help train and care for the dogs. Mike and Cindy Sturgill have been part of that effort for nearly seven years. “We started as sitters for two-week stints while their puppy raisers were on vacation,” Mike said. “Our love for the dogs and the mission has kept us going.” Training typically lasts around 24 months, depending on the dog. While giving them up can be difficult, seeing them placed with someone in need makes it easier. “We may love them, but we don’t need them the way these patients do,” Cindy said. “We thought we were doing this for two weeks. Seven years later, here we are,” Mike added. Their volunteer work helps reduce costs and expand access. A fully trained service dog can cost between $30,000 and $50,000; through Power Paws, the cost is significantly lower. Their current dog, Penny, is a 15-month-old collie with a sweet temperament and a knack for snagging socks or unrolling toilet paper. Dogs like Penny may be placed in a range of roles, including mobility support, PTSD assistance, and diabetic alert work. Power Paws depends on volunteers and community support to serve individuals with disabilities across Arizona. As demand grows, the organization continues to expand its programs and outreach. Elaine sees that work as a direct extension of Anne’s legacy. Her ability to bring people together, move quickly from idea to action, and give generously of her time and resources helped shape Power Paws in ways that will continue to be felt for years to come. azpowerpaws.org A legacy of service: Anne Stupp and the mission of Power Paws Carol Ann Michaelson Sister Lynn Winsor Before her passing, philanthropist Anne Stupp (left) and Power Paws Assistance Dogs founder Elaine Starks (with dog) worked together with trained service dogs to support the organization’s mission. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE STARKS