Smiling broadly, which she does often, 23-year-old Alexa Scholl recalls how a local radio talk show host acknowledged that she shares the name “Alexa” with the Amazon electronic application that answers questions and performs communications tasks. It was suggested that the name recognition may have helped her win a seat on the Prescott City Council (PCC) when she was 20 years old.
“I’d like to think it was a bit more than just ‘name recognition,’” she said. “I consider myself a Prescott native and have family roots here since the 1950s. I attended local schools and graduated from Prescott High School in 2015.”
In high school, Alexa committed herself to representing her fellow students as what she called a “servant leader,” someone who wants to help the community make a sustainable difference in its quality of life. “Being involved in such programs cemented my interest in public service. I was inspired by other students who shared similar values. We really did support each other to make the world a better place,” said Scholl.
Her parents are both highly visible educators. Her father, John Scholl, is superintendent of Chino Valley Schools and her mother, Marti Read, is assistant superintendent of Prescott Unified School District (PUSD).
Alexa graduated from PHS with distinction. She was an award-winning varsity athlete and student leader. She later was named a Tillman Scholar and Truman Scholar – both prestigious honors awarded to exceptional students at Arizona State University (ASU). While there, she enrolled in the Barrett Honors College, where she completed a political science degree with a minor in Spanish in 2019. Currently, she is enrolled in an ASU master’s program in global security.
It seems no matter what she does, she is setting new standards or breaking records.
For instance, while yet an undergraduate at ASU, she ran for and was elected to a four-year term in 2017 to the seven-member Prescott City Council. She did so with the highest number of votes cast for any candidate and became the youngest city council person elected in Arizona history.
“It’s funny. I was not old enough to drink alcoholic beverages, and yet I was voting in council meetings to approve liquor licenses.”
Committed to Public Service
Last month, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli shared with fellow council members that Alexa had accepted that role as mayor pro tem for the Prescott City Council.
“Having Alexa as our mayor pro tem is something I am very pleased about,” said Mayor Mengarelli. Her continuous thoughtful insight, dedication and knowledge about the greater Prescott community and unique perspectives on various issues the council faces make her truly invaluable in this role. I look forward to working with Ms. Scholl in her new capacity. I am excited to see how her leadership will impact PCC and the city as a whole.”
City Councilmember Billie Orr, who has served as mayor pro tem for the past several years, calls Alexa studious and perceptive. “Alexa is a talented young lady. I have enjoyed working alongside her on the council.”
“Alexa is one of the best examples of why I love being an educator in Prescott,” said PUSD School Superintendent Joe Howard. “She grew up here, represented academically the top levels of our schools in the county and state, and then returned to her community to contribute in the highest manner. We are so proud of this young woman. What’s gratifying is that she accepted a position with PUSD to be our health and safety coordinator in dealing with some of the most threatening situations in our history. She is leading us through this pandemic with incredible skill. I am reminded daily of how important and full circle our efforts are in education.”
Early in her service on the council, she was instrumental in creating the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), which is designed to help area students be aware of local government policies and issues that affect youth.
Scholl also dedicates time to serving on the board of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Partnerships. She is a member of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States. She also has worked and volunteered for Yavapai Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
In her spare time, Scholl says she listens to podcasts about political, criminal and social issues. She also enjoys a good comedy.
What makes me laugh
I laugh hardest when I spend time with my family. We tend to be sarcastic, so we enjoy poking fun at each other.
My favorite meal
I really love my dad’s chicken curry over rice. But we have some good restaurants in town.
My favorite place to travel
San Felipe, Mexico. We’ve been going there since I was a little kid. It’s like a second home. But I also love, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, where I can study U.S. history. I owe that to Kelly Cordes, my seventh grade social studies teacher.
Prescott is unique
I think our wonderful climate and natural beauty, combined with the history of the region, are major draws. Of course, there’s no place like Prescott during the holidays. Totally spectacular and welcoming.
If I had an unlimited bank account
It would go for non-profits and foundations. These are close to my heart. They have been impacted by the pandemic. They need financial support. QCBN
By Ray Newton
Leave a Reply