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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Valley teen is spearheading a fight against the drug epidemic that he says is impacting his classmates and peers. 

Arcadia High School student Bennett Murphy started a nonprofit called Phoenix Interventional Naloxone Network, or PINN for short, to help distribute Narcan kits to schools across the Valley. “I thought there had to be a more accessible way for everyone in schools to receive Narcan,” Murphy said. 

Murphy was inspired to start the organization after he says his close friend had an overdose in his freshman year.

“Gritty, disciplined, and focused” – that’s how Head Coach James Vercellino described the Arcadia boys’ tennis team in his first year at the helm. Adjusting to new systems and practice structures while building a new team identity was a challenge, but one he believes will pay off long-term.

“Our goal is to compete, mature, and grow – not just as tennis players, but as ambassadors of our community and future leaders,” Vercellino said.

Heading into the final matches in April, the Titans faced tough losses against Saguaro and McClintock, but also notched dominant wins over Buckeye Union, Central High, and Marcos de Niza. They finished the season ranked 5th in Division II.

The Lady Titans delivered an exceptional 12-2 season, earning a trip to the State Championships before falling in a hard-fought 0-5 match against powerhouse Catalina Foothills. They finished third in Division II.

Coach Dean Lamppa highlighted battles against Gilbert and Notre Dame Prep as defining moments of the season. 

“Those matches, even the losses, were incredible opportunities for growth,” he said. “We’re excited for what’s next.”

“Being part of this team has enriched my life in so many ways. I gained new friends and have only grown closer to those I already knew,” graduate Ahva Ghazanfari said. “I’m so proud of these girls and what we’ve accomplished together. I know I’ll especially miss Arcadia tennis.”

The Titans took their season all the way to the 2025 AIA Beach Volleyball Division II State Championships, ultimately finishing runners-up and ending with a 14-2 team record.

“We had a historic season, advancing to the state final for the first time in school history and falling just short to Estrella Foothills 3-2,” Coach Adrian Chang said. 

Their journey to the title game included an epic win over six-time defending champs Salpointe Catholic, who had not lost in 82 matches dating back to 2019.

Dear SUSD Class of 2025,

As you prepare to cross the graduation stage and take the next big step in your life’s journey, know that we see in you a class that has risen to the challenges, embraced opportunity, and is ready to reach new heights.

The Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to have been a part of your story. My favorite memories are those of cheering you on during academic celebrations, theatrical performances, and sporting events. The commitment this class has shown to academics, arts, and athletics runs deep, and your talents are limitless.

In a remarkable demonstration of leadership, giving, and tenacity, teams from Arcadia High, Brophy and Xavier encouraged friends, family members, and local supporters to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. 

Each year, high school students nationwide are challenged to compete in fundraising for LLS while gaining important leadership experience – and all three took on that challenge with much enthusiasm and commitment. For Garrett Larsen, a sophomore and the leader of “Team Rockin’ Leukemia,” the cause was deeply personal. His father died of acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was a baby. Throughout the years, LLS was a source of support and financial assistance. 

Just like the meaning of the Ancient Greek word, “an assembly of the people,” Arcadia High’s annual Agora is a mecca of fine art, and something the school looks forward to every year. 

Agora is made possible through the efforts of Arcadia’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students and art teacher Cira Riccio. At this event, student artwork from Arcadia High, Ingleside, Hopi, Tavan and Echo Canyon is displayed in the hallways for attendees.

The Scottsdale Charros Program supports SUSD in various ways – namely, by bringing programs, resources and scholarships to the schools and recognizing the district’s outstanding students and educators with The Scottsdale Charros Education Awards. 

For the past 60 years, educators in the district have received a personalized plaque and a $2,000 grant from the association.