Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek thanks Goodyear City Councilwoman for her generous support for early Literacy. Another Rotary lending library was opened because of her support! Much gratitude to Councilwoman Gillis.
Millennium High School Senior Juliette Gonzales has been selected the October 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts.
Juliette was nominated by her teacher Ms. Gabbert, who shared this narrative:
Juliette “Jojo” Gonzales is an outstanding leader and contributor to Millennium High School’s performing arts community. She serves as a leader of the marching band, stage manager for numerous theatre productions, lead prop designer and maker for numerous productions and fright nights, and a dedicated leader within Drama Club. In Live Entertainment Productions (Stagecraft), Jojo exemplifies initiative, responsibility, and creativity, consistently setting a high standard for her peers. Jojo's leadership is matched by her ability to foster a positive and collaborative environment; she energizes those around her and provides encouragement through her humor and uplifting spirit. Jojo’s commitment, reliability, and passion for the arts have had a lasting impact on both her peers and the success of Millennium’s performing arts programs.
Desert Edge Senior Violet Farinella has been selected the October 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Leadership in Fine Arts.
Violet was nominated by her teacher Mrs. Saldana who shared this narrative:
Violet Farinella is a member and captain of the Marching Scorpions Colorguard. She has been involved in guard all four years of high school and also takes additional band courses. Violet is an outstanding leader. She is not only dedicated to her craft but makes it a point to be inclusive to all on her team. She strives to be better than she was yesterday, and that mentality bleeds out to the rest of the team. The program is lucky to have her talents, hard work, and personality.
Members of the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek participated in a site tour of West-MEC Southwest Campus. Superintendent Dr. Scott Spurgeon, and his staff, gave the group a presentation on West-MEC campuses located on the Westside of Maricopa County and a description of the role, programs, and partners of West-MEC. A tour of the facility included a walk-through of some of the programs that offer students certifications upon completion of their program. Several of the program areas included a walk-through with students demonstrating what they had learned.
Many of the programs included equipment and materials donated from the businesses that employ students when they graduate.
In this week's Rotary Club meeting, we had a presentation from Project. I.D. The I.D.Project is an organization that helps homeless and incarcerated people get official Ids. Rick Mitchell and Tracy White, from I.D. Project described many of the scenarios where the homeless need IDs for services or to find work. Project I.D. empowers homeless individuals to rebuild their lives by providing a critical first step.
Project I.D. supports the homeless at their Phoenix office (206 S. 12th Ave) and also through a mobile service.
This non-profit funds its services through donations, grants, and the AZ Tax Credit.
Desert Edge student Kodee Barker has been selected the September 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Leadership.
Kodee was nominated by her teacher Mrs. Silvia who shared this narrative:
Senior Kodee Barker is the President of our FFA chapter. She is an inspiring leader on campus who collaborates with our members as well as other students on campus. Throughout her high school career, she has competed on several teams in FFA such as Forestry, Agriculture Mechanics and Agriculture Communications which her team won 1st place in the state at the 2024 FFA Summer Leadership Conference. Kodee's most recent project is raising meat goats for the county fair which allows her to gain leadership and entrepreneurship skills. We couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments!
Millennium student Ashlee Park has been selected as the September 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Leadership.
Ashlee was nominated by her teacher Mr. Kip Nettles, who shared this narrative:
Ashlee Park took over the leadership of my Robotics club in the last few months of her Freshman year. She planned trips and meetings for our club over the summer. Ashlee led a workshop about robotics and our club at the Litchfield Library. She is a consistent leader in her classes, helping those around her perform and understand better. Ashlee, now a Sophomore, leads like an upperclassman. Ashlee is also the VP of the writing club and has a 4.5 GPA
Principal Jason Linn gave the Goodyear Pebble Creek Rotary a tour of the newest Agua Fria HS District facility. The Goodyear High School campus has just freshmen this year, but is planning for three Academy Programs (Creative Arts& Media, Business, Design & Technology, Science, Service & Innovation). It also has a full schedule of Fall athletic programs. Go Mavericks!
ROTARY CLUB OF GOODYEAR PEBBLECREEK HONORS STUDENTS
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek recognized and celebrated 16 students from the Agua Fria Union High School District for Outstanding Excellence of Achievement in the 2024-2025 school year. Superintendent Mark Yslas selected Millennium (M) and Desert Edge (DE) High Schools as the recipients of the awards. Rotary Youth Services Chair, Karen Gimse, worked together with advisors Carissa Harvey (M) and Colleen Koblinski (DE) to present awards monthly to students that excelled in a variety of subject and service areas. Students were nominated by their teachers and one student from each school was selected in the category for that particular month.
A culminating reception was held in their honor on April 23, 2025 at the district office. Parents and nominating teachers were in attendance to join the students in meeting their fellow recipients. September Leadership awards went to Madison Mendoza (M) and Agasne Bragado (DE). October Music awards went to Julia Goto (M) and Ilker Aguilar (DE). November Community Outreach awards went to Erin Ortiz (M) and Delissia Fierro (DE). December Overcoming Adversity awards went to Samantha Kramer (M) and Travion Dixson (DE). January Science awards went to Kyle Van Patton (M) and Autumn Shanahan (DE). February CTE/VOC awards went to Ashley Zaragoza (M) and Gianna Craycroft (DE). March Fine Arts awards went to Lola Roseland (M) and Brielle Garcia (DE). April Academic Excellence awards went to Nicholas Lee (M) and Kordillia Bailey (DE).
In addition to receiving the award, each student has a Watts of Love solar light donated in their name to a recipient in Kenya. Watts of Love is a non-profit organization that provides vulnerable communities with solar lights and a financial literacy program that empowers families to break out of poverty. These outstanding “star” students are already letting their light “shine in darkness”!
To learn more about the solar light program you can visit www.//wattsoflove.org. The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek https://www.goodyearrotary.org/ meets every Wednesday morning (September – June) at 7:00 am at Eagles Nest. Visitors and Rotarians are always welcome.
Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club Induction of Officers for FY 25-26
The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club held their annual induction ceremony on May 7th. The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club celebrated and honored club officers for their year of service. Honored were Mary Kay Utecht, President; Letha Zook, Secretary; Lulu Zamora, Treasurer and Avenues of Service Chairs Betsy Hargrove, Karen Gimse, Colleen Malany, Alden Meulenberg, Linda Babcock and Julie Frentz.
Inducted as new officers were Jim Frey, President; Letha Zook, Secretary; Lulu Zamora, Treasurer and Avenues of Service Chairs Barbara MacFarlane, Mary Kay Utecht, Charlie Miller, Linda Babcock and Letha Zook. District 5495 Governor Jim Schmidt swore in all new officers and chairs.
The evening events also included recognizing six Paul Harris Fellows. A Paul Harris Fellow is a Rotarian recognized for donating $1,000 to Rotary International. A Rotarian can become a Paul Harris Fellow through donations they made or they can use their donation points to honor or support a fellow Rotarian. The following Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotarians received Paul Harris recognition: Jim Frey, Julie Frentz, Karen Gisme, Mary Kay Utecht, Alden Muelenberg and Bernie Kagen.
It was a wonderful celebration of the past and present members of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club. In attendance were their six past presidents!
The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club serves the West Valley by supporting West Valley schools and promoting community service programs and non-profit agencies in the West Valley. They meet weekly at 7:00 a.m. at the PebbleCreek Eagles Nest Clubhouse and everyone is welcome to attend on Wednesdays through June. They will be on summer break until the first Wednesday in September.
The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary would like to thank all PebbleCreek residents for contributing to the April 22 – 29 Food Drive. Over 930 pounds of food items were collected at our 3 collection sites: Tuscany Club House, Eagles Nest Club House and Kare Bears. All items were donated to the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank, who expressed their sincere gratitude. The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank supports families in the West Valley and welcomes donations of food, clothing or cash throughout the year. Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club is grateful to PebbleCreek residents for helping us support the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank.
Desert Edge High School selects 12th grader Kordillia Bailey for Outstanding Achievement in Academic Excellence.
Kordillia was nominated by her teacher Mr. Bryce Wright, with this narrative:
Kordillia Bailey has demonstrated exceptional academic dedication throughout her high school career, maintaining a 4.0 GPA—or close to it—since beginning her studies at Desert Edge in her sophomore year. According to her English teacher, Miss Gergus, Kordillia is "one of the brightest students" she has ever had the pleasure of teaching. Kordillia takes her education seriously, consistently choosing to enroll in rigorous courses that go above and beyond standard expectations.
Kordillia's drive, discipline, and intellectual curiosity set her apart from her peers. She is on track to graduate near the top of her class and is undoubtedly deserving of recognition for her outstanding academic achievements. Kordillia is a student with limitless potential and will excel in whatever path she pursues.
Millennium High School selects 11th grader Nicholas Lee for Outstanding Achievement in Academic Excellence.
Nicholas was nominated by his teacher David Wirth with the following narrative:
"It is with great pride that we nominate Nicholas Lee for The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club Student of the Month in the category of Academic Excellence. Nicholas, currently an 11th-grade student, is on track to graduate early—a testament to his exceptional work ethic, dedication, and commitment to rigorous coursework. Most recently, he earned 2nd place in the Arizona Science Fair, showcasing not only his academic talent but also his passion for scientific inquiry and innovation. Teachers consistently praise Nick as an incredibly intelligent, driven, and gifted student who stands out among his peers. His accomplishments and character make him truly deserving of this recognition."
Today, the Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek had an inspiring presentation by David Zimmer on the workings of Rotary International. We were all reminded of the many tears of commitment that Rotary International has in providing service in every corner of the world. From Polio Irradiation to clean water projects to providing solar lighting in Africa, Rotary is the hands and hearts of many of those projects. It is through our service to the international communities that Rotary provides a "heavy lift" with peacekeeping through acts of service. Thank you, David, for that inspiring reminder of the extent of our work and service.
Desert Edge student Brielle Garcia has been selected the March 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts.
Brielle Garcia completed AP Studio Art and passed as a sophomore, completed a paid summer internship with a professional artist from Tucson, has art installed at the new Goodyear Fire Station, attended Maine School of Arts and Design for summer camp, and represented DE at the annual Shemer Art Center Valley High School Exhibition. She is a dynamic artist. She draws, paints, and sculpts at a professional level. Her creativity level is exceptional. If you need a problem solved, go to Brielle.
Brielle was nominated by her teacher Mr. Ryan Williams who shared this narrative:
Brielle Garcia completed AP Studio Art and passed as a sophomore, completed a paid summer internship with a professional artist from Tucson, has art installed at the new Goodyear Fire Station, attended Maine School of Arts and Design for summer camp, and represented DE at the annual Shemer Art Center Valley High School Exhibition. She is a dynamic artist. She draws, paints, and sculpts at a professional level. Her creativity level is exceptional. If you need a problem solved, go to Brielle.
District Governor Michelle Holcomb emphasized refocusing on business networking to drive membership growth
District Governor's Address:
Rotary is about business.
District Governor encouraged the following:
- Inviting local business owners to meetings to share with them the networking
- possibilities to drive membership growth.
- Have members regularly share about their professions during club meetings
- Encouraged clubs to invite 1-2 local business owners to each meeting
- Promoted Rotary license plate program ($17 of $25 fee goes to district)
- Requested all members add photos to club database for better connections
- Reminded about upcoming District Conference on May 2 and 3, 2025.
Millennium High School 11th Grader Lola Roseland has been selected the March Rotarian recipient for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts.
Lola was nominated by 2 teachers, Ms. Carrie Gabbert and Abigail Eckert, with these narratives:
"Lola Roseland is an extremely accomplished arts student. She is dedicated to singing with Millennium Voices and leading her section, they received a Superior rating this year. Many people look up to her gorgeous voice and musicianship. She is starring in the school musical, Mean Girls, as the lead Regina George. She is a theater officer and has worked with marketing for the musical, and leading the cast of Fright Night in October. She continues to have a rigorous academic schedule with all IB & AP classes on top of everything and has straight A's. I would love for her to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to both academics and the arts. " Ms. Abigail Eckert
"Lola is such a team player and leader in Theatre. She is treasurer of Drama Club/Thespians and a lead (Regina George) in Mean Girls. She is always the first person to help out another and bring excitement and energy to class and rehearsals. Not only is she such a lovely person, but also extremely talented. This year she has gotten a Superior Rating at the Thespy competition that qualifies her for the national competition for both her solo event and duet event. She brings passion to everything she does." Ms. Carrie Gabbert
The Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek was pleased to welcome Julie Jones, Megan Griego and Mark Yslas to our club meeting. The team from Agua Fria Union High School District were visiting to share the good news about our new performing arts high school and our new performance arts theatre. As of March 5th, the new school has a name, "The Hilltop School of the Arts." The school will be next door to the performing arts theatre and will be an intergal part of the students' education. The auditoriumn will become a place where quality performances will come to the west valley, elminating the need to drive long distances for plays, music or lectures. The project will break ground in May and will open August 2027. The school will start with an enrollment of 400 students and the auditoriumn will seat 700.
Both venues will be a welcome addition to our communties.
"Read Across America Day" is one of the favorite Senior 2 Senior activities of the year. Today, in celebration of Dr. Suess, sixty community Seniors and high school seniors stopped by Elsieo Felix Elementary School to share stories and read with the elementary students.
For most high school students, it was their first trip back to an elementary school. They were nervous but quickly found how excited the elementary students were to spend time with them. It was a great experience for our high schoolers as well as the adults.
Our pictures from today's activities, lets everyone know how truly special this day of reading has become. Never underestimate the power of stories to change people's lives.
Thank you to the staff at Elsieo FelixElementary School for being such a great host and for sharing your students with us.
Thank you to all who participated today and for supporting the Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek's in its literacy initiatives.
Millennium High School selects 10th grader Ashley Zaragoza for Outstanding Achievement in CTE/VOC for her work in our Live Entertainment Productions (Stagecraft) class.
Ashley was nominated by her teacher Ms. Carrie Gabbert who, as well as some of her other teachers, wrote:
"Ashley Zaragoza is a sophomore student who is very active in the Millennium Community. She is the President of our CTSO Stagecraft Squad. She is always up for a challenge and spreads positivity through class and rehearsal. She is always thinking ahead and helps those around her. In addition to being President of our CTSO Stagecraft Squad, she is also assistant stage manager of Mean Girls, and managed the Swim Team this year. Even though I have only had her in class this year, I know she is always up for a challenge and spreads positivity through each class and rehearsal. She is always thinking ahead by thinking of solutions to potential problems- such as creating prop lists without being asked during our read through. She is also passionate about Live Entertainment Productions (Stagecraft) and has been recruiting students from all around campus to help build sets and props for the show."
Desert Edge High School selects 12th grader Gianna Craycroft for Outstanding Achievement in CTE/VOC.
Gianna was nominated by her teacher Ms. Goebel, who wrote about Gianna:
I am thrilled to recommend Gianna Craycroft for CTE Student of the Month for Leadership. As Vice President of FBLA, she exemplifies dedication, initiative, and a strong commitment to professional growth. Her passion for graphic design is evident not only in her coursework but also in her real-world experience—she currently works as a graphic design intern and takes on freelance projects in her free time. Her ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on industry experience showcases her drive and readiness to excel in the field after high school. Gianna is a true leader who inspires her peers and represents the values of CTE with excellence.
The build up to the SuperBowl is always such a fun time for sports fans. This year The Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek joined the fun and ran their own Super Bowl Pool. The last quarter of the game saw three changes to who could possibly win the money. But at the end of the day our lucky winners are Gary Lucas and Denny Buchanan. Each of them celebrated by being $250.00 richer than when the game began.
Congrats to the Philadelphia players and all the "Bird" fans. It was a great game and we had a lot of fun watching who was going to win the money. Also,The Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek wants to thank everyone who paid their dollars to join the pool and support the service work of our Rotary. Much appreciated!
8th Annual Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament and Ball Drop
ARE YOU READY?….The sun is shining, the sky is powder blue, the palm trees are swaying in the distance and you are standing with friends and business associates ready to tee off!
Desert Edge High School selects 12th grader Autumn Shanahan to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award in Science.
Autumn was nominated by her Science teacher Mr. Carroll:
I would like to nominate Autumn Shanahan. She has excelled in all science classes that she has taken including AP. What makes her even more special is her passion for science and sustainability. She has a wealth of information that she has learned in and outside of school. During class, she has great insight and wonderful questions. I have learned some things by listening to her answers. One of her areas of interest is in Agricultural Science. She has been involved in Agricultural Sciences since her freshman year, been involved in FFA and has competed in the state competitions. She has taken on projects outside the classroom such as her black soldier fly larvae feeding system. This is where food scraps that would normally be thrown away can be given to black soldier fly larvae and then those larvae can be fed to chicken hens. This will turn waste into food for humans. Autumn is a model student and a human being in general. Having her here at DE has been great for our school and everyone around her.
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Goodyear, AZ 85395
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