Sedona Author Inspires Students to Pursue Their Dreams

Diane Phelps shares the story of Pluto's discovery to encourage fourth-graders to follow their passions.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:00pm

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Diane Phelps, author of 'Needle in a Haystack,' visited Kelly Cadigan's fourth-grade class at West Sedona School to discuss her book about astronomer Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto. Phelps encouraged the students to pursue their own dreams, whether it's becoming a scientist, singer, designer, or artist. The visit was part of Sedona's Artist in the Classroom program, which aims to expose students to diverse creative pursuits.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the importance of inspiring young students to follow their passions and dreams, even if they seem unconventional or unrelated. By sharing the story of Tombaugh's lifelong pursuit of astronomy, Phelps demonstrated that with dedication and hard work, one can turn their childhood dreams into reality.

The details

During the visit, Phelps discussed her book 'Needle in a Haystack,' which follows Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto in 1930. She emphasized that Tombaugh had been interested in astronomy since the fourth grade, and that he dedicated his life to making his dream a reality. The students in Cadigan's class expressed a wide range of aspirations, from becoming scientists and blacksmiths to singers and artists.

  • On March 10, 2026, Diane Phelps visited Kelly Cadigan's fourth-grade class at West Sedona School.
  • Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto on February 18, 1930.

The players

Diane Phelps

An author who visited the fourth-grade class to discuss her book 'Needle in a Haystack' and encourage the students to pursue their dreams.

Kelly Cadigan

The fourth-grade teacher at West Sedona School who hosted Diane Phelps' visit.

Clyde Tombaugh

An astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff who discovered Pluto in 1930, which was the focus of Phelps' book.

Beau Payne

A 10-year-old student in Cadigan's class who aspires to be a scientist and part-time bladesmith.

Jenicka Villagrana

A 9-year-old student in Cadigan's class who wants to be a singer, designer, and artist.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be a scientist, but I also want to be a part-time bladesmith.”

— Beau Payne, Student

“I want to be a singer, a designer and an artist.”

— Jenicka Villagrana, Student

“He decided in fourth grade, and he made it happen. A lot of us have dreams in fourth grade.”

— Diane Phelps, Author

What’s next

The school district plans to continue hosting the Artist in the Classroom program, bringing in more authors, artists, and other creative professionals to inspire and engage students.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of sharing inspirational stories and encouraging young students to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. By exposing children to diverse creative pursuits, educators can help them discover their true talents and interests, setting them up for future success.