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Desert Mountain grad a Presidential Scholar cause he is a learner. He takes feedback, really listens and puts his best foot forward. I really admire him.” Hirsch also said in a release that she wouldn’t be surprised if he wins a Nobel Prize for his work in robotics someday. “I really admire him,” Hirsch added. Jake’s achievements run long. Not only did the 18-year-old lead Desert Mountain’s robotics team to numerous competition titles, he also created state and national awardwinning graphic design
works and is considered one of the most accomplished members of Scottsdale Unified School District’s Class of 2020. “Jake has excelled at everything he sets his mind to. It has been an honor these past four years, watching him become the man that he is,” said CTE instructor Bernie Fritts, one of Jake’s mentors. “ Fritts helped hone Jake’s skills in the graphic design and advertising art courses he teaches at Desert Mountain. Jake contributed more than 1,800 hours of community service to the high school’s clubs and causes, including volunteering for STEM programs and hosting technology device workshops for senior citizens. In addition to playing an instrument role in establishing, funding, and mentoring student robotics teams around the
medical decisions,” Kate told the Progress. “However, our student advisory group did recommend that an emphasis be placed on student mental health, especially for younger students who were more stressed by the upheaval. "The guidelines put out by Kathy address that concern. They encourage schools to be watching and assessing students who appear to be under stress.” Between the way the 2019-20 school year ended with a three-month shutdown and the uncertainties that hover over the coming year, she indicated, that stress is not likely to end quickly. For Kate, it’s not so much a matter of stress as it is a concern for both the health of her classmates and teachers – and the future of public education. “I do worry that students will not follow guidelines to wear masks,” said
Kate, who also is a member of Chaparral Student Government and the Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council. “There is zero possibility that we can maintain social distancing in my classes as they stand currently,” she explained. “I have had an average of over 30 students in every class I have attended since fifth grade. Additionally, I doubt that students would have the ability to wash their hands, even before eating, at a large high school like Chaparral. “While I am not concerned for my own health, I do have some teachers that would fall into the high-risk group. I would rather those teachers go to online rather than retire. I personally, am willing to adjust my schedule and expectations to work around the needs of staff.”
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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esert Mountain High School graduate Jake Okun has been named one of 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education. “I am more than honored to be named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar and to represent Desert Mountain High School, Scottsdale Unified School District and the state of Arizona,” said Jake, one of this year’s 161 Presidential Scholars. One of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors, Presidential Scholars are cited for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. “Jake is an amazing young man and is so humble,” said Desert Mountain Principal Dr. Lisa Hirsch. “I think he won be-
Desert Mountain High School graduate Jake Jake was named one of 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education (CTE). (Courtesy of SUSD/Jake Jake)
see SCHOLAR page 18
Chaparral student helped state with school reopening plan BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor
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t age 15, Kate McDowell has developed a keen interest in public policy – and had the rare opportunity to contribute to it. The Scottsdale teen, a junior at Chaparral High School, was a member of state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman’s Student Advisory Board – which played a role in the formation of the 35-page guidance document for reopening schools in Arizona. And overall, Kate thinks the document reflects students’ concerns. She also indicated they had other concerns that go beyond reopening. Those largely remain with the Legislature. “Having viewed the reopening guidelines, I would have to say that, by and large, those guidelines were shaped by
Kate McDowell of Scottsdale enjoyed her time as a student advisor. (Jennifer McDowell/Special to the Progress)
see KATE page 18
