A Scottsdale Unified student has earned a major state award for what the district called her “global perspective, a passion for service, and a commitment to learning.”
Rose Gorman, a fifth grader at Anasazi Elementary School, is one of only two students in the state to be named a 2026 Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools (AZIBS) Primary Years Programme Student of the Year.
“Rose’s journey is anything but ordinary,” the district said in a release, noting that before moving. With her family to Scottsdale, she lived in Hong Kong, India, Germany, and South Korea.
“She has experienced the world not just through travel, but through learning.,” the district said. “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.”
Stating she “exemplifies the IB Learner Profile,” the district said Rose “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.”
Rose began her community service early, working as a volunteer at an orphanage in India, where she has returned twice to continue supporting children there.
“Rose represents the very heart of the IB mission,” said Anasazi Principal Jennifer Waldron. “She doesn’t just learn about the world; she actively works to improve it.”
As she prepares to continue her education at Mountainside Middle School this fall, Rose “carries forward the perspective, compassion, and sense of purpose that distinguish IB learners and position her for continued success,” according to the district.
To learn more about Anasazi’s IB program: anasazi.susd.org.