GLENDALE, Ariz. – Two Peoria Unified students were recently named 2026 Scouts of the Year. Sunrise Mountain High School seniors Bella Herndon and Tommy Salch were honored for their exceptional dedication, leadership and commitment to the values of Scouting.
For the third year, Scouting America Grand Canyon Council, has recognized scouts that have shown scout spirit, leadership, heroism, community service and citizenship. New this year, each winner received a $500 scholarship to be applied toward any form of higher education.
Herndon, a Life Scout and founding member of Troop 3126 in Peoria, was recognized for her commitment to mentoring younger Scouts by serving as Senior Patrol Leader and as Troop Guide. Herndon showcased her kindness and creativity by designing and building a sensory cart to support neurodiverse preschoolers for her Eagle project. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, is an active member of National Honor Society and plans to continue her education at Grand Canyon University.
Salch, a Life Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 126 in Sun City, was recognized for his leadership, service, dedication and integrity. Recently, Salch earned the Scouting America Heroism Award. In September 2024, Salch witnessed a car accident that left an elderly man trapped inside an overturned, smoke-filled car. Salch quickly instructed bystanders to call 911 and freed the driver. He continues to inspire others to make a lasting impact.
“I am so proud of these students and the commitment that they have shown to not only being great students but active members of their community,” shared Sunrise Mountain High School Principal Vance Setka. “They are doing incredible work both in and out of the classroom.”
For more information about the 2026 Scouts of the Year, visit www.scoutingaz.org/2026-scouts-of-the-year.
The Peoria Unified School District has 43 neighborhood schools, including one virtual school designed to meet the needs of all preK-12th grade students. For the past 135 years, Peoria Unified has been an Arizona public school district of choice, where students can receive a high-quality education rooted in the values that their families share. Students experience the best in academics, athletics and arts education where education is personalized to meet the needs of each child. Peoria Unified invests in programs which prepare every student for a successful future, including free full-day kindergarten, special education, gifted education and career and technical education. To continue its long history of success, the district maintains its focus on five key components of its strategic framework: Student Success, Learning and Teaching, Safety and Wellness, Stewardship of Resources and Parent and Community Engagement. The Peoria Unified School District continuously pursues its vision of “Every student, every day, prepared to shape tomorrow.”