12 JULY 2026 The club offers more than steps – participants can find coffee dates, yoga sessions, volunteer opportunities and more. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH WALKER By AJ Stone and Mallory Gleich The Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) Arizona Teacher of the Year award is the highest honor a public school teacher in Arizona can receive and recognizes educators who inspire students, strengthen their school communities, and exemplify excellence in public education. Established as part of the foundation’s mission since 1983, the program has celebrated Arizona educators for over 40 years and serves as the state’s official pathway to the National Teacher of the Year competition. Each year, teachers are honored during AEF’s annual awards ceremony, with this year’s winner set to be announced live in August. After more than 20 years in the classroom, Jennifer Fox, a second-grade teacher at Hopi Elementary, earned her first major recognition as semifinalist for Arizona Teacher of the Year. When she received the nomination announcement, she reacted accordingly: “I was completely shocked,” she said. “That nomination was truly humbling.” The selection process begins with public nominations, which can be submitted by students, parents, administrators, colleagues, community members, or the teachers themselves. Nominations highlight the same qualities AEF seeks to honor: leadership, dedication, community impact, and the ability to make a lasting difference in students’ lives. From there, AEF’s scoring committee – made up of community leaders, former awardees, and industry partners – reviews applications, scores candidate videos, and conducts interviews to narrow the field to five finalists before selecting the winner. Fox didn’t win the overall competition, but she did receive a prize package that is awarded to the Top 10 teachers. While her accomplishments in the classroom have earned statewide recognition, Jennifer has another full-time job: being a mom. “My biggest challenge this year was balancing home life and school responsibilities. I have twin boys who are entering their senior year at Arcadia, as well as a daughter entering her junior year,” she said. “Balancing being the best mother I can be while also being the best teacher I can be has always been challenging.” Jennifer said her students keep her motivated every day, explaining that she often sees them as her own children. “I think about my students before the school day even begins – what worked or didn’t work, who may need a different strategy, how I can adapt lessons, how to better engage students, and how to involve families in learning at home,” she said. “I constantly ask myself how I can connect with my students and encourage them to push themselves to be their best.” Jennifer also extended appreciation to her co-workers. “In many ways, any success I have achieved is also a reflection of the amazing colleagues I work alongside. We collaborate, share ideas, and encourage one another daily,” she said. Semifinalists receive a package that includes $1,000 in cash, along with a commemorative plaque and medal recognizing their achievement. The package also includes a Fiesta Bowl Experience, including participating in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, and a few other prizes. azedfoundation.org AZ recognizes Hopi educator for classroom success Hopi’s second grade teachers Sarah Engels, Chrissy Montoya, Kelli McClain, Jennifer Fox and Heather Bowman. PHOTO: EMILY JAMES By Kylie de Best If you happen to be at, or pass by, Biltmore Fashion Park on Wednesdays, you have likely seen people running. Dozens of people. All year round, the Phoenix Run Club encourages runners and joggers to hit the pavement and connect with others – yes, even in July. The Phoenix Run Club is a community- based initiative built around movement, connection, and creating experiences that bring people together. While the founders started as a smaller meetup, they have grown into one of the largest and most active running communities in Arizona. The club hosts multiple weekly runs and workouts across the Valley, including locations in Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and the Biltmore area. Attendance varies, with weekly runs typically drawing anywhere from 50 to 200 participants. Larger events and special activities can draw over 1,000 people. “Over time, PRC has evolved into much more than just group runs,” Founder Josh Walker said. “It has become a space where friendships are built, people challenge themselves, and the Phoenix running culture continues to grow.” While weekly runs are free and open to everyone, those looking to get more involved can purchase memberships directly through the club’s platform, Heylo. Benefits include discounts from brand partners, early access to special events and activations, perks and giveaways, structured training support, race team and coaching opportunities, and priority access to select experiences and travel. The memberships are currently offered in two tiers: a Supporting Membership for $100 per year and a Race Team Membership for $360 per year. Phoenix Run Club also launched PHX Elite and the PRC Race Team, which aims to support runners pursuing higher performance goals while still staying connected. According to Walker, the teams will create access to high-level training, coaching, and support that many runners may not otherwise be exposed to or know how to pursue independently. This upcoming season will kick off in August and September as training starts for fall races and will include structured programs focused on distances ranging from 5K to the marathon, with blocks leading into upcoming races. Phoenix Run Club’s future goals include expanding participation in trail and ultra-running, elevating the camp and travel experiences, growing large-scale activations, developing more partnerships, expanding weekly runs, and programming across the Valley. One of the biggest goals is building beyond the miles. The club hosts coffee meetups, brunches, recovery events, yoga sessions, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings, including a Valentine’s social, Mother’s Day bouquet-making, and karaoke parties. Are you ready to run? They’ll meet you at Biltmore! phxrunclub.com Run, Phoenix! Ruuun!