26 AUGUST 2026 Next, I make my way to Sedona. The red rocks always remind me of Tuscany meeting the Dolomites. One of my favorite stops is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched high within the cliffs. The views are spectacular and capture that same feeling of discovering a beautiful hillside sanctuary in Europe. When I’m craving the charm of Italian wine country, I don’t book a flight, I drive to Sonoita and Elgin and up north to Cottonwood. Arizona’s wine region is filled with rolling vineyards, golden grasslands, and family-owned wineries that invite you to slow down and savor the afternoon. It’s easy to spend a day tasting award-winning wines while imagining you’re somewhere in the Italian countryside. One place that surprises almost everyone is Lake Powell. Every time I see its brilliant turquoise water winding between towering sandstone cliffs, I’m reminded of the Greek islands. Whether you’re exploring by boat, paddleboard, or simply relaxing along the shoreline, it has the same carefree feeling that makes Mediterranean vacations so memorable. For a taste of Spain, I always recommend visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson. The brilliant white façade, intricate Baroque architecture, and remarkable history make it one of Arizona’s true treasures. Standing inside, it’s easy to appreciate why it’s considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the country. And yes, you can even visit London I ’ve been fortunate enough to travel throughout Europe, wandering the vineyards of Italy, admiring the architecture of Spain, cruising the turquoise waters of Greece, and strolling across London’s iconic bridges. After years of exploring Arizona for Arizona Highways Television , I’ve discovered something unexpected: you don’t always need a passport to experience a little bit of Europe. Some of the most surprising European-inspired destinations are hiding right here in our own backyard. If you’re looking for a Swiss escape, I always tell people to head north to Alpine. Sitting at more than 8,000 feet, it’s a world away from the Sonoran Desert. The crisp mountain air, towering pines, and lush meadows instantly remind me of the Swiss Alps. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. without leaving Arizona. Lake Havasu City’s famous London Bridge never fails to make visitors smile. Walking across the original bridge, knowing it was carefully relocated stone by stone from England, is one of those uniquely Arizona experiences that perfectly blends history with a little bit of fun. One stop I always encourage visitors to add is Jerome. Perched high above the Verde Valley, its winding streets, art galleries, cafés, and historic buildings remind me of the charming villages I’ve wandered through in southern France. It’s the kind of place where the best itinerary is simply “take your time.” The more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve realized that memorable vacations aren’t defined by passport stamps, they’re defined by the places that make you stop, look around, and smile. Arizona has a remarkable way of surprising you, offering landscapes, architecture, history, and experiences that echo destinations across Europe while remaining unmistakably its own. Before you book that overseas adventure, consider pointing your car toward one of Arizona’s scenic highways instead. You just might discover that your next European vacation has been waiting right here all along. Arizona Highways Television’s ‘European vacation’ Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson. London Bridge in Lake Havasu.

27 AUGUST 2026 By Madalyn Paltzik When school districts make important decisions, student voices are not always part of the conversation. At Creighton School District, however, students have a seat at the table thanks to the Creighton Kids Congress, a leadership program that allows middle schoolers to help shape the future of their schools. Founded in 2019 by Superintendent Jay Mann and then- Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Eric Dueppen, the Creighton Kids Congress was created to ensure students have a meaningful role in district decision- making. Today, the program brings together two student representatives from nine schools every quarter to discuss important topics and provide feedback directly to leadership. Unlike a traditional student council, the Kids Congress focuses on districtwide initiatives rather than individual school events. Students are selected by their principals because they are recognized as leaders on their campuses. In addition to participating in quarterly meetings, representatives are responsible for sharing information about upcoming projects with their classmates and staff while gathering feedback to bring back to future discussions. Since its creation, the Kids Congress has played a role in some of the most significant initiatives. Student reps participated in the hiring process for Creighton’s current superintendent, influenced the architectural design of three rebuilt schools, helped guide math and science curriculum adoptions, and contributed to the Student Outcomes Focused Governance goals. Members have also provided valuable insight on issues such as attendance, student mental health, and, most recently, renovations at Biltmore Preparatory Academy. One of the group’s most impactful contributions came during the pandemic. As a remote learning schedule was created, administrators initially planned separate lunch periods for different grade levels. Kids Congress members pointed out that allowing siblings to have lunch at the same time would make remote learning easier for students and parents. The district adopted the suggestion. “That feedback feels obvious, but at the time was so incredibly important and powerful,” Creighton School District’s Emily Waszolek said. During a recent science curriculum adoption, student representatives emphasized that they wanted more hands- on learning experiences in science classrooms. According to Waszolek, “One piece of feedback was more engagement with hands-on experience, which we took to heart.” The program develops leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom. Representatives are chosen not simply for academic achievement but for their creativity, collaboration, and willingness to think critically. Through the Kids Congress, students learn to communicate ideas, represent their peers, and work alongside leaders to improve their schools. “Kids Congress is about much more than just capturing student voice; it’s about fostering our next generation of leaders,” Superintendent Jay Mann said. “By understanding the learning process directly from the students who experience it daily, we gain an invaluable perspective that helps us make school more engaging, impactful, and experiential for everyone.” As the district prepares to welcome new representatives for the upcoming school year, the Creighton Kids Congress continues to demonstrate that some of the district’s best ideas can come directly from the students it serves. By giving young leaders a voice in district leadership, Creighton School District has created a program that empowers students to help shape the future of education. Congress – but this one is for the kids Members of the Creighton Kids Congress help shape important decisions by providing input on various initiatives. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY WASZOLEK Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available GEARING GEARING up up for for SCHOOL SCHOOL! ! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8