Cholla High Magnet School
Student of the Year Girl Recipient
Anna-Alyse has taken an active role in shaping a positive school environment through her many years on Cholla's student council, and honed her leadership skills through participation in a number of student council and leadership conferences throughout the state. Anna is also very active in her community, organizing various blood and book drives and fundraisers. Her fellow students have recognized Anna's leadership skills by not only electing her as student body president, but also National Honor Society president, varsity cheerleader co-captain, and girls swim team captain.
Mountain Pointe High School
Student of the Year Finalist
A four year varsity soccer player, was voted MVP by her teammates, named the 5A Coaches Player of the Year and the Arizona Girls Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year. She is also the 5A State Singles Badminton Champion, a four year National Honor Society member and an award-winning artist. In addition to her sports and academic achievements, Alexandra is a member of the National Charity League and has volunteered many hours in the community.
Notre Dame Preparatory School
Student of the Year Finalist
A 4 year captain of the varsity basketball team, but public speaking is where she really shines. She has put her public speaking skills to work for causes such as Winslow's Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Erika was recently invited to Washington, D.C. to speak on the importance of community service and how it positively influences the lives of young people today. She even created her own non-profit organization, Everyday Heroes Like You, for which she uses her passion for public speaking to emphasize the importance of athletics & academics to underprivileged children.
Westwood High School
Student of the Year Boy Recipient
During his high school years Taylor participated in football and track, but it was on the wrestling mat where he achieved his greatest success. He finished his senior season with an impressive 40-9 record and was voted a member of the All East Valley Region team. Taylor also served as Student Body President. Participating in Boy Scouts since he was a small boy, Taylor has volunteered 630 hours of community service in the last four years, including a trip to South Africa to building a playground for an AIDS orphanage.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
Student of the Year Finalist
Daniel has proven himself to be a model citizen; dedicated to improving the school through service in leadership, and by serving as a role model in athletics and academics. On the soccer field Daniel served as team Captain and was a member of the school's varsity track, football, and tennis teams. He also served as his school's chaplain and participated in a number of community service projects, including traveling to Mexico and China.
Brophy College Preparatory
Student of the Year Finalist
When Anthony “AJ” Toops was only 10 years old he visited the Phoenix Rescue Mission and was so moved by what he saw, he began collecting clothing for the homeless recruiting neighborhood kids to assist with the effort. Throughout high school he continued to work up to two hours a day assisting the Phoenix Rescue Mission, encouraging fellow students and teachers to become involved. A four year member of the Brophy football team, AJ used a team scrimmage as an opportunity to collect bottled water for the homeless.
Apollo High School
Coach of the Year Recipient
Mark Nold started as the head boys basketball coach at Apollo six years ago, winning only two games his first season. Since then he has turned the basketball program around through team-building, discipline and the introduction of a character coach. Thanks to Mark's leadership, the Hawks have won the 4A state title for the last three years. Mark will be coaching at Perry High School next year.
Central High School
Coach of the Year Finalist
Kevin Belcher has been coaching since 1994, the last seven years here in Arizona. He started as the head football coach at Central in 2002 just weeks before the start of the season and has worked diligently ever since to turn the program around, both athletically and academically. In the fall of 2006 Central earned their first regional title in more than 24 years.
Catalina Foothills High School
Coach of the Year Finalist
Charlie Kendrick has coached soccer at Catalina Foothills since 1996 and has been the head girls soccer coach since 2003. His lady Falcons are the three-time defending 4A Division I state champions and boast a 72-game winning streak. Coach Kendrick's accolades also include the National Soccer Coaches Association of America State Coach of the Year award.
Desert Christian High School
Coach of the Year Finalist
Dennis O'Reilly has been the head boys varsity basketball coach at Desert Christian since 2003, and was previously the head girls varsity basketball coach. He has been awarded the 2A Central Region Coach of the Year the past three years. In the 10 years he's been at Desert Christian, there was only one year when coach O'Reilly's team didn't bring home the state or regional title.
Deer Valley High School
Coach of the Year Finalist
Kim Ulrich-Suss has been coaching for over 30 years, including both girls and boys volleyball as well as track & field at Deer Valley High. Coach Ulrich-Suss has seven regional girls track championships and three girls volleyball championships under her belt. In the spring of 2006 she coached the boys Skyhawks volleyball team to the regional championships and received her first Regional Coach of the Year award.
Yuma, AZ
Official of the Year Recipient
Jim Colby has officiated almost every high school sport in Arizona over the past 40 years, including state champions in basketball and football. As area commissioner of officials in Yuma, he holds officiating clinics and seminars at the start of each sports season. He also passionately promotes the values of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program to officials and others in his community.
Bullhead City, AZ
Official of the Year Finalist
James Armijo has been an official for 20 years. He is also the head girls and boys golf coach at River Valley High School. During his officiating career, he has had the honor of officiating five state championship games in both girls and boys basketball. James has worked in all levels of officiating and is a mentor to new and less experienced officials.
Phoenix, AZ
Official of the Year Finalist
Steve Huddleson has been officiating for 25 years in a variety of sports at the freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels. He mentors and trains both new and seasoned officials and is an active member of several officials associations in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He also has a long-standing career as a high school mathematics teacher.
Sahuaro High School
Administrator of the Year Recipient
Joni Pabst has been the Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities at Sahuaro since 2005. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, Joni always finds the time to be involved in activities at the school, attend most of the home games, and even travel with the teams for away games. She is also involved in several AIAAA committees and was instrumental in establishing Arizona's first state-sanctioned spirit line state tournament.
Sahuarita High School
Administrator of the Year Finalist
Larry Cleveland has been at Sahuarita High School since 1976, serving as Athletic Director for the past decade. He has coached many of the school's athletic teams and even started the school's cross country program. In addition to his responsibilities at Sahuarita, Larry mentors new AD's at other schools and serves his community through work with the Senior Olympics and Knights of Columbus.
Deer Valley Unified School District
Administrator of the Year Finalist
Bill Gahn has been the District Athletic Director for Deer Valley Unified since 2003, having previously been the Athletic Director at Barry Goldwater and Sunrise Mountain High Schools. To help reinforce the Pursuing Victory With Honor values, Bill established a "code of conduct" that all athletic programs in the district now enforce and embrace. He also initiated a Blue Cup-type awards program, which has become a much sought after award among the schools in the district.
Desert Mountain High School
Administrator of the Year Finalist
Steve Harris was the first and only Athletic Director the 12 year-old school of Desert Mountain has ever had, and the recent success of the school's sports teams is built on the foundation of character and respect Steve laid down over the previous decade. In the past two years, Desert Mountain's sports teams have brought home a whopping thirteen State Championships.
Winslow High School
Administrator of the Year Finalist
Don Petranovich has been at Winslow High School since the 1950s, first as a student, then later as a coach for many of the school's athletic teams, and as the Athletic Director for the past 22 years. He is Arizona's winningest girl's basketball coach, bringing home 22 region championships and six state titles for Winslow. But more importantly, he is extremely devoted to his school, his students and his community..
Arizona Lutheran Academy
1A-3A Scholar-Activity Participant Recipient
Christine excels at all things musical. She's been first chair clarinet in band since her sophomore year and is also a three-year member of the school's very select a cappella choir. In both band and choir, Christine displayed her leadership skills by leading sectional rehearsals and even filling in as the band or choir director when needed. Christine hasn't yet decided on a college, but would like to study music education.
Tempe Preparatory Academy
1A-3A Scholar-Activity Participant Recipient
Josh is a National Merit Scholar and a captain of his school's Model United Nations team. But his real passion is speech and debate and he has earned a number first place awards. When he isn't studying, competing, or tutoring other students, Josh still finds time to hold down a part time job. He plans to attend the Barrett Honors College at ASU and pursue a career in criminal law.
Catalina Foothills High School
4A-5A Scholar-Activity Participant Recipient
Since her freshman year Rebecca has been a member of the marching band, the wind ensemble and the Tucson Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. A talented horn player, she was selected to the regional and all-state bands all four years of high school. Rebecca has also found time to give private music lessons and volunteer at a pediatric oncology clinic. She plans to study medicine at the University of Arizona.
Desert Vista High School
4A-5A Scholar-Activity Participant Finalist
As a valued member of the Desert Vista speech and debate team, Stephanie helped the Thunder capture three straight state titles and has been recognized with many first place awards for her extemporaneous speaking skills. As the co-founder of "Students Taking Action Now," Stephanie has also used her voice to raise awareness of the suffering in Darfur. A member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, Stephanie plans to attend ASU and study International Relations.
Desert Vista High School
4A-5A Scholar-Activity Participant Recipient
Mark's teachers describe him as both an accomplished musician and an excellent student. He is the principal violist in the Desert Vista Chamber Orchestra, a member of the Phoenix Symphony Guild Youth Orchestra, and has received many awards for his musical talent. Academically gifted as well, Mark ranks first in his class, scored a perfect 800 on his math SAT test, and is a Flinn scholarship finalist. He plans to attend ASU and major in electrical engineering.
Catalina Foothills High School
4A-5A Scholar-Activity Participant Finalist
Trey's parents report their son is so passionate about his music, they often fall asleep at night listening to him practice. Trey is the Head Drum Major of Catalina's Marching band and has earned the national distinction of "Drum Major Elite". He's also a proud member of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. An Eagle Scout and an AP scholar, Trey hopes to attend either the U of A or the University of Virginia and looks forward to a career as a music teacher.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
1A-3A Scholar-Athlete Participant Recipient
A four year varsity basketball player, Katlyn played point guard and led the Lions to three consecutive state titles. She was also a four year varsity softball player serving as the team's starting shortstop and leadoff batter, and a three year member of the varsity volleyball team. An academic standout as well, in the words of one of her coaches, "Katlyn has made being both a "brain" and a "jock" a cool thing to do." Katlyn will attend Baylor University in the fall and study occupational therapy.
Blue Ridge High School
1A-3A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
Jessica has challenged herself athletically, academically and with extracurricular activities. A four year varsity soccer and softball player, Jessica was also Student Body Vice President, involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Students Against Drunk Driving, and the set designer of this year's spring musical. In her free time, Jessica also volunteered at the Love Kitchen and coached youth soccer teams. She would like a career combining environmental science and biology, which she intends to study at NAU.
Holbrook High School
1A-3A Scholar-Athlete Participant Recipient
Olen is a four-year varsity starter on both the basketball and baseball teams, Holbrook's leading scorer in basketball and the number one pitcher and infielder. He was also involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and seminary activities on campus. He graduates second in his class with a 4.0 GPA. He has an academic scholarship to attend ASU and intends to study engineering or medicine.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
1A-3A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
Michael is a four year member of the varsity basketball and tennis teams. At 6-foot-five, he played center for the Lions, but height alone is not the only measure of his stature. Michael also stands tall for his extensive volunteer work, school leadership and church activities. He's an Eagle Scout and a National Merit finalist. Michael plans to attend Baylor University and study sports medicine.
Mountain Pointe High School
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Recipient
Alexandra's outstanding soccer skills have earned her numerous awards including recognition as the 5A Coaches Player of the Year, Central Region Player of the Year, All Arizona 1st Team, and 1st Team All-State. She's also the reigning 5A singles badminton champ and led her team to the state championship as well. Her success continues into the classroom where Alexandra is a National Honor Society inductee. She will be attending ASU on an athletic scholarship and is planning to pursue a medical or dental career.
Bradshaw Mountain High School
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
The story of Marianne Bean's pursuit of excellence is written in the school's basketball record books. This year she broke five school records including career points, assists and steals. Marianne's athletic honors are only outnumbered by her academic accomplishments. She was president of the National Honor Society, Student Body President, a Flinn Scholarship finalist and class valedictorian. Marianne plans to attend the University of Arizona and study business and communications.
Ironwood High School
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
A four year track and field participant, Kelsey measures success in feet and inches. She was the 2006 5A state champ in the high jump, took 4th place in shot put, and placed 5th in discus. Kelsey is a graduate of Ironwood's International Baccalaureate program and recently received the prestigious Rensselaer Medal, recognizing her as one of the outstanding math and science students in the nation. Kelsey has received a scholarship from the University of Tulsa and plans to double major in biology and art.
Central High School
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Recipient
Throughout his high school career Barron has been a stand-out - a three sport athlete while maintaining the number one spot in his class academically. In basketball, Barron led the region in steals and assists. He's been a member of the varsity tennis team and was named varsity quarterback his sophomore year. Barron has been a dedicated participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteers his time to many ministerial efforts. He will attend Grove City College in the fall and study Spanish.
Cortez High School
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
As a talented runner and gifted student, everything seemed to be going well for Matt until his junior year when health issues sidelined this captain of the cross country team. Matt underwent three lung operations and on the day he was discharged, was back at school asking about his classes. Matt worked hard to regain his form and became the top runner in his region. He also graduated first in his class. Matt remains undecided about which college to attend but would like to study mathematics or science.
Mountain Pointe High Schooll
4A-5A Scholar-Athlete Participant Finalist
Philip is a three year varsity lettermen who led his baseball team to two Aztec tournament championships and a central region title. But there's more to Philip than just his incredible talents at shortstop. He has also dedicated his time to helping others, including organizing a little league baseball camp as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Philip is a National Merit Commended Student and earned a perfect 800 on his math SAT. He's undecided about where he'll attend college, but he would like to study engineering.