🌱 Scottsdale Graduate And Students Shine + Resources For Heat Relief

Hey, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening locally. Today we'll cover:

• Scottsdale graduate and student success stories.
• City resources to prevent heat-associated deaths.
• ArtWalk in Old Town.

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But first, your local weather: Today it will be sunny but not as warm, with a high of 80 and low of 60.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Desert Mountain High School senior Zack Okun has received another recognition — this time at the national level! Okun has been recognized as "one of the country's most outstanding high school leaders" with the award of a $20,000 college scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Among various other impressive accomplishments, Okun is the founder of STEMducate, a nonprofit organization that "works with over 7,000 students in more than 11 countries and 24 U.S. states by offering various STEM-focused programs, competitions, and resources." Congrats Zack! (citysuntimes)
2. Kyle Polen, an ASU graduate who was raised in Scottsdale and graduated from Chaparral High School, was accepted to 13 medical schools! He applied to 37 medical schools, and he plans to attend Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania with a $300,000 scholarship. Congrats Kyle! (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. In other good news, three Basis Scottsdale students "were named Arizona State Champions in the 'You Be the Chemist' team-based, free STEM contest." Congrats to Aydin Daniel (8th grade), Richelle Daniel (6th grade), and Avon Periakaruppan (8th grade)! (Subscription: Daily Independent)
4. The city of Scottsdale offers multiple resources to decrease the number of heat-associated deaths, which increased 25 percent from 2021 to 2022. All four city libraries offer hydration stations with "drinking fountains and/or free bottled water," and there are cooling stations at the seniors' centers and community centers where people can stay from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for relief from the heat. The city also "partners with nonprofits to provide day relief centers which give refuge from the outdoors, meals and water, showers, and navigation for additional services." Be sure to check out the details of these resources! (City of Scottsdale)

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Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Thursday, May 11

• Fly Classes: Little Rookies at The Valley of the Sun JCC (1:05 PM - 1:50 PM)
• Amplify Voices | Beyond Breast Cancer at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. "Every 19 seconds a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide. While a woman's journey with breast cancer is a journey that many face alone, it is also a powerful teacher for change. This is a story that deserves to be heard." (6:00 PM)
• Adult Basketball: League B at The Valley of the Sun JCC (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Adult Basketball: League A at The Valley of the Sun JCC (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Very-Zona Happy Hour Cooking Class at The Valley of the Sun JCC (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
• Sunset & Sips Happy Hour at Taliesin West (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
• ArtWalk at Old Town Arts District. "Stroll at your own pace, [and] wander into galleries through a festive area enjoying dramatic statues, bubbling fountains, tree-covered courtyards, famed restaurants, and live music." (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

The Scottsdale Public Library is offering:

• Arabian: Tiny Tot Time (10:15 AM - 10:35 AM)
• Civic Center: Books 2 Boogie (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Arabian: Tiny Tot Time (11:00 AM - 11:20 AM)
• Arabian: Drop-in eMedia Session (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
• Civic Center: Beyond the Birding Basics: Bird ID Skills. Register online. (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
• Mustang: Full STEAM Ahead: LEGO Penny Boat Challenge (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
• Civic Center: Get Cricut With It! Register online. (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Scottsdale Wildland Fire Season Kickoff Meeting started with a presentation from Chief Abel. He is the Wildland Coordinator and has been involved in local, state and national training. Chief Abel is a member of the red card committee and is the chairperson for the operations/dispatch committee through the wildland sub-committee of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Applications for the EMS Performance Improvement Coordinator position are now open. Apply by May 21. https://bit.ly/PICapp2023" (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "We're hiring! Here are the current openings for career opportunities with #ScottsdalePD. For more information about these jobs and the benefits package offered by the city of Scottsdale, visit ScottsdalePD.com." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "As temperatures begin to rise, please keep an eye out for snakes at both Bell94 and SSC and continue to keep your dogs on leash at all times. For more information on how to handle a snake encounter, please visit: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/snakes-and-bees" (Scottsdale Sports Complex via Facebook)
• "Communities worldwide are celebrating 2023 Economic Development Week, and so are we! Learn how economic development makes Scottsdale stronger: https://bit.ly/3LK7kwB" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)
• "Mayor David D. Ortega recognizes National Prevention Week in Scottsdale with this mayoral proclamation. National Prevention Week is a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention... Learn more about National Prevention Week: SAMHSA.gov/prevention-week" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you tomorrow!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@outlook.com