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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 20, 2021
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Teens’ up-close, personal look at public safety BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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wenty-four teens are among latest batch of graduates of the Scottsdale Public Safety Teen Academy. Celebrating its 14th year, the Scottsdale Public Safety Teen Academy invited the two dozen teens from across the Valley to the Tom Hontz Training Facility earlier this month to complete various police and fire training activities and lessons. And on June 11, the class of teens ranging in age from 14 to 18 — most of whom are interested in pursuing a future career in law enforcement and the fire service — graduated from the academy. “Attending something like this is very important,” said Chaparral High School incoming senior Vivian Conte, 17. “Regardless of what career choice or avenue you decide to pick in your life, it’s very educational and gives you a better understanding of the men in law enforcement in our communities and just how our communi-
Seth Read, 18, crawls out of the smoke room at the Public Safety Teen Academy on June 8. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)
ties function, in general.” To take part in the academy, the teens
submitted an application and went through a basic background check.
Recruits were then assigned a squad and a training officer who works with the group throughout the week. “This is my third year doing this,” said Scottsdale Police Department School Resource Officer Rhonda Aquipel. “When we bring them in, we have them introduce themselves. ‘Do you want to go Police? Fire? And a majority want to go into some type of public safety.” This year marked the return of the academy after taking 2020 off due to the pandemic. In order to accommodate social distancing, especially during activities, this year’s recruit class was about half the size of 2019’s class. But that doesn’t mean the itinerary lacked a slew of exciting, adrenalinepumping activities. This year, recruits viewed tactical demonstrations by the Police K-9 Unit, Horse Patrol and SWAT; and they watched live
see ACADEMY page 21
4 Cadette Scouts bring joy to needy families
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
ust in time for summer, Family Promise’s indoor day center is now a brighter and livelier area for families and kids. And the southern Scottsdale nonprofit has local Girl Scouts Troop #2018 to thank for the reinvigorated space, which now boasts fresh layers of sky-blue paint, newly installed flower boxes, decorated picnic tables, and more. “Kids love it from first sight,” said Ted Taylor, Family Promise executive director. “It feels like home – not the one they lost, but a new one just for them.”
Girl Scout Troop #2018 is comprised of (L to R) London Kai, Shaylin Ligon, Kyla Quinn, and Evie Peebler. (Family Promise)
The project was so well-received, it even earned the troop – comprising eighth-graders Evie Peebler, London Kai, Shaylin Ligon, and Kyla Quinn – their Silver Award, the highest award earned by Cadette Scouts. “I feel proud for working very hard and being able to receive this award,” said Sonoran Trails Middle School student Evie Peebler, 14. Each year, the Scouts complete a sustainable project that helps their community. The four girls set their sights on Family Promise, a nonprofit that provides emer-
see SCOUTS page 20
