Features

From a Harvard-bound valedictorian to an award-winning singer and actress, these five outstanding Valley students—each with a mile-longlist of accomplishments—shine as bright as the gold stars that deck their report cards.

JOSHUA BENJAMIN 18, 2016 VALEDICTORIAN AT BROPHY COLLEGE PREPARATORY

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO BE A GOOD STUDENT? My parents have always taught me that it is important to give my best no matter whatI am doing. They taught me the importance of education and how it will open doors for me. I...

When summer temperatures reach extreme highs in Arizona there is only one way to escape the heat, by getting wet. Instead of overusing your pool cooler, check out these alternative ways to get wet.

Two local Arizona women, Mary Beth Stern and Hilda Villaverde, recently wrote a book, Living Brave that explores the interesting experiences that women at any age and stage of life may experience. This book brings these women’s voices to life and offers inspiration to those to keep living brave.

“We wanted to help other women by inspiring them through similar women’s stories,” says Stern.

In Living Brave, a diverse group of women’s lives are revealed by answering 15 introspective questions divided into three areas of life expression: physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual courage. The shared stories and articles...

Summer is practically over and as we head into the final weeks of July, it’s time to start planning an end-of-summer soiree. Kim Rivera from Toast AZ Events told us some quick tips to make it easy to celebrate the end of summer and help bring in the fall.

How can we plan a summer soiree on a budget?

KR: Plan a theme that could include things you already have at home. I suggest a mix and match theme that includes mixing and matching plates and napkins. This can also accommodate a large number of guests.

What type of food is fitting for a summer...