32 AUGUST 2024 By Mark Hays Motivated by an appreciation for computer science and a desire to inspire, Xavier Prep senior Grace Thomas established STEMpoweringHER, an organization whose mission is to encourage others to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Part of her reasoning for starting the foundation was a surprising statistic. Grace learned that only 35 percent of jobs in these industries were held by women – and only 26 percent of those women were in leadership roles. It was also her studies at Xavier that fueled a desire to share STEM knowledge with students from all walks of life. “One of the driving forces behind the foundation was my immersive experience in Xavier’s computer science department, where I cultivated a deep passion for the subject,” she said. Mentorship, hands-on experiences and education are all avenues Grace and her dedicated team of volunteers have been exploring to inspire the next generation. “We offer a range of initiatives aimed at e mpowe ring girls in STEM,” she said. “Hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, summer camps – these provide opportunities for everyone to explore, learn and excel in science, technology, engineering and math.” The group’s events train kids in robotics, coding, engineering, physics and chemistry through interactive workshops. They also organize challenges and competitions that encourage creativity and innovation. Participants can work individually or in teams to solve real-world problems, develop new technologies and present solutions. STEMPoweringHER also offers educational resources and interactive online games. “Our website features cybersecurity intelligence games and other related activities to keep participants engaged and learning,” she said. The group has an emphasis on connecting with students from underrepresented and marginalized groups, but are open to students of all backgrounds. “Although our primary efforts focus on providing enriching learning experiences for girls through a variety of initiatives, we work with students of all ages and genders. We have worked with kindergarteners through seniors,” she said. Since its inception, STEMPoweringHER has visited various schools and youth organizations. The group conducted a physics and engineering-based egg drop experiment with the Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona and visited Madison Simis Elementary and Madison Rose Lane Elementary to inspire an interest in chemistry through tie dye projects. The group also hosted a six-week STEAM camp at Shepherd of the Desert Preschool. “We are actively working with schools and have STEM nights, workshops, activities, after school programs and events planned for Fall 2024,” she said. STEMPoweringHER has also connected with Arizona State Senator Christine Marsh and hopes to have her visit one of the upcoming events. stempoweringherfoundation.com This organization is all about STEM-powering students Members of STEMPoweringHER’s Teen Leadership Board: President of Operations Melina McKenzie (left), President of Membership Kiley Davis, (fifth from the right), President of Community Outreach Jordyn Muñoz (third from the right), and Executive Director Grace Thomas (right) with volunteers from Xavier Prep. PHOTO COURTESY OF XAVIER PREP

33 AUGUST 2024 By Lauren Geiser A t just 14 years old, Blake Buckler has a long list of accomplishments. Most recently, he competed in the Colorado USATF Region 10 Qualifier for the National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, which included the top athletes from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and West Texas. Blake qualified in the top four in shot put and threw 151 feet in discus, earning him first place and a spot at the Junior Olympics Championship at Kyle Field Texas A&M in August. Blake has also earned the distinction of being the #1 seeded thrower in Arizona, breaking the all-time state throwing record by two inches. Blake’s journey into track and field began unexpectedly. In fifth grade, he broke his foot while playing tennis, forcing him to shift his focus to lower-impact sports. This twist of fate led him to try his family sport of shot put and discus, a decision that helped him to qualify for the Junior Olympics. Throwing runs deep in the Buckler family. Blake’s grandfather was a collegiate thrower and his father competed in the sport. Blake and his father even competed together at a track and field meet where they both won first place. For Blake, the allure of shot put and discus goes beyond the physical aspect and family tradition. He loves the history behind the ancient sport and how its origins can be traced back to Medieval times and the Ancient Greeks, who included these events in the early Olympic Games. As he prepares for the Junior Olympics, Blake has already set his personal goals for the track and field meet. “I want to throw discus 170 feet and improve my rotational form,” he said. “For shot put, I’m aiming to throw 44 feet.” Blake’s journey to the Junior Olympics required tremendous discipline and hard work. His training regimen is rigorous, starting with waking up at 4:30 a.m. for practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. His advice to aspiring and current throwers emphasizes the importance of mentorship and dedication. “It takes time and a lot of training that involves speed, balance and power, so be ready to work hard. It builds discipline because there’s no faking it when people watch you in the cage,” Blake said. “It’s like hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer, a perfect golf drive, or kicking a field goal to win a game. Finding the right support like my dad and my throw club, Arete Throws, helps big time because they can tell you what you need to improve.” “I love watching our son work so hard, showing the fortitude to get to the top and making it to the USATF Junior Olympics in Colorado,” mom, Bita, said. “This is one of my favorite life moments – being part of his journey of being a passionate, driven athlete.” Looking ahead, Blake hopes to continue developing his skills throughout high school and beyond. He aspires to compete at the collegiate level and eventually throw in international competitions, such as the prestigious Diamond League in Europe. He plans to move up to the 1.6 kg discus and 12-pound shot put while also working on javelin and sprints. Outside of track and field, he hopes to improve his golf game, motocross, racing, powerlifting and more. The Junior Olympics is just the start. With his eyes set on the future, Blake Buckler may be a name to watch in the track and field world. ARCADIA’S JUNIOR OLYMPIAN Blake has been involved in track and field, discus and shot put since fifth grade. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BITA BUCKLER Blake and his dad competed at the Phoenix Invitational together – and they both won first place. It’s like hitting a buzzer-beater three- pointer, a perfect golf drive, or kicking a field goal to win a game. Finding the right support helps tell you what you need to improve.