Skip To Main Content

Global Experiences, Local Impact: Anasazi Student Earns State IB Recognition

Global Experiences, Local Impact: Anasazi Student Earns State IB Recognition

Scottsdale, Ariz. — A global perspective, a passion for service, and a commitment to learning have earned SUSD fifth-grade student, Rose Gorman one of Arizona’s highest student honors.

The fifth-grade student at Anasazi Elementary School has been named a 2026 Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools (AZIBS) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Student of the Year, distinction awarded to just two students statewide. She was recognized at the AZIBS Quarterly Meeting on March 27.  

Rose’s journey is anything but ordinary. Having lived in Hong Kong, India, Germany, South Korea, and now the United States, she has experienced the world not just through travel, but through learning. While attending IB PYP schools across the globe, she discovered something powerful: no matter where she was, the IB framework created a sense of belonging.

Those experiences have shaped Rose into a student who exemplifies the IB Learner Profile. She is widely recognized for being open-minded, principled, and willing to take risks, qualities that shine through in her learning and in her daily interactions with peers and teachers.

Beyond the classroom, Rose demonstrates a deep commitment to service. At a young age, she began volunteering at an orphanage in India, an experience that sparked an ongoing dedication to helping others. She has since returned twice, continuing to support and connect with the children there.

“Rose represents the very heart of the IB mission,” said Principal Jennifer Waldron. “She doesn’t just learn about the world; she actively works to improve it.”

This recognition reflects Rose’s sustained commitment to learning, service, and global-mindedness, qualities that have defined her experiences both in and out of the classroom. As she prepares to continue her education at Mountainside Middle School this fall, she carries forward the perspective, compassion, and sense of purpose that distinguish IB learners and position her for continued success.

To learn more about Anasazi’s IB program head to: anasazi.susd.org. 

Media Contacts: 

# # #

#ChooseSUSD
With nearly 20,000 students in all schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for almost 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.