Welcome to the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

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Another New GYPC Rotarian
 
Eric Dueppen is our newest Rotarian, inducted on December 3, 2025. Eric is celebrating his six-month anniversary as Superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District. He grew up in Chino Valley, Arizona and has migrated to the Valley. His passion for people and community shows in his enthusiasm for everything he is tasked to do. We welcome Eric into our Rotary club of Goodyear PebbleCreek and look forward to a long and rewarding tenure in providing Service Above Self.
Welcome New GYPC Rotarians
 
Two new members were inducted into the membership of Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club in November 2025.
 
Vicki Gillis, Goodyear Councilwoman, is a fine example of Service Above Self. She carves out time for our City as well as our Community, and we look forward to her participation in our Rotary club activities.

Alexandra Morrell joined us because of her involvement with our Senior to Senior program. This program is unique to our club in that we have senior citizens mentoring seniors in high school. Both the mature and the maturing learn from one another in this Agua Fria School District activity. Alex is busy with her new position within the Agua Fria High School District, overseeing the development of the new Hilltop School for the Arts, set to open in the fall of 2026. Alex will be the theater manager when the school opens and is currently involved in setting the stage. We are looking forward to a great partnership with Alex and the Hilltop School.
 
Desert Edge High School November 2025 SOM
 
Desert Edge Sophomore Alexis Segobia has been selected the November 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Community Outreach.
 
Alexis was nominated by her teachers Mrs. Samantha Saldana and Ms. Breanna Miranda who collaborated on this narrative:
 
Alexis stands out as a true leader in Community Outreach through her dedication to the Agriculture Pathway and her commitment to connecting Desert Edge with the broader community. She has worked to build a partnership between our AgriScience program and Wildflower Elementary School, giving students of all ages the opportunity to learn about food, fiber, and natural resources. Alexis helped organize FFA’s (Future Farmers of America) participation in Wildflower’s Trunk or Treat event and is currently planning a Garden Club collaboration for elementary students.

Beyond these initiatives, Alexis proudly represents Desert Edge as an Academy Ambassador—volunteering her time for school and community events, guiding freshmen during pathway tours, and consistently showing up to support FFA activities. Her initiative, positivity, and servant leadership truly embody what it means to make a lasting impact. We are proud to recognize Alexis for her outstanding contributions to community outreach!

 

Millennium High School November 2025 SOM
 
Millennium Senior Danielle Grumbling has been selected the November 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Community Outreach.
 
Danielle was nominated by her teacher Mrs.  Amy Alek who shared this narrative:
 
Danielle is an integral member of MHS Key Club! She has been the blood drive chair for two years, even earning first place for her work for the HS Blood Drive challenge - division winners. She has successfully hosted 4 drives at Millennium where she always exceeded Vitalant's goals. She encourages students to donate, promotes the drives through announcements, social media, and classroom visits, reaches out to Chick-Fil-A (so all donors receive free sandwich/nuggets cards), and food services, so Key Club has food at the event. She single-handedly enters all info into the Vitalant portal, so students have appointments and the event is organized. She has developed a well-oiled life-saving event. She is directly responsible for our success in this life-saving and important event!
Rotary FriendsDay together raises money for DPIL
 
A huge thank you to GYPC Rotary member LuLu, and her husband Gil, for hosting last night’s Friendsgiving event to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program. It was an amazing evening where we raised over $2,000. Earlier this week we received a $2,500 check from the Verrado Rotary Foundation for DPIL.
 
Thanks to all of you who have donated. And if you haven’t been able to donate to this amazing program, you still can. Make your checks out to GYPC Rotary Foundation and mail to: GYPC Rotary Foundation, 14175 W Indian School Road, STE B4, Box 219, Goodyear, AZ 85395.
Presentations on the Rotary Foundation and Talk on Wills and Trusts.
 
Guest speaker Laura Mello presented the various options for Rotary Foundation giving and major gifts. Laura provided detailed explanations of various types of Rotary Foundation gifts, including directive gifts, endowment funds, and estate planning considerations. Her presentation was comprehensive and well-received by the members.
 
 
 
Kristyn Meulenberg, wife of our past-president Alden, then continued the estate planning conversation with a discussion about Trusts vs. Wills. We gained new insights and information on these topics. 
GYPC Rotary at AFSD Performing Arts School Gala

Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club members attend Agua Fria Union High School District Gala with fellow Rotarian Superintendent Mark Yslas (pictured third from left). The Gala was held to raise funds for the new Fine Arts Academy & Performing Arts Center located in Litchfield Park. The Hilltop School for the Arts will open its doors in August 2026 with grades 9-12. 

 
 
A New Little Library 
 
 
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 October 2025 SOM

 

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 High School  October 2025 SOM
 

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.
 
Goodyear Pebble Creek Tour of West-MEC South West
 
 
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.
 
Project ID presents at Rotary Meeting
 

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 High School September 2025 Student of the Month
 
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 High School September 2025 Student of the Month
 
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
 
Goodyear Rotary get tour of Goodyear HS
 
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 Honors Students
 
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.
Rotary FY 25/26 Induction of Officers
            
 
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.
 

 

Rotary PebbleCreek Food Drive Successful!
 
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 Student of the Month April
 
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.
 
MIlennium Student of the Month April
 
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."   
David Simmer visits from Rotary International
 

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 March Student of the Month
 
Desert Edge student Brielle Garcia has been selected the March 2025 Student of the Month for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts. 
 
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.    
 
 
Visit by District Governor Michelle Holcomb
 
 
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 March Student of the Month
 
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
AFHSD - Performing Arts High School
 
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.

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2025-26
Rotary International
Theme 
 
Meeting Information
We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 7:00 AM
PebbleCreek Eagle's Nest Clubhouse
3645 Clubhouse Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America
Phone:
(623) 698-0618
Email:
goodyearrotary@gmail.com
* Palm Room

December 2025

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Speakers
Mayor Joe Pizzillo
Dec 17, 2025
City of Goodyear Update
Adria Poindexter, Asst. Govenror
Jan 07, 2026
Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (trvfa.org)
Committee Meeting
Jan 14, 2026
Marcus Patterson
Jan 21, 2026
Mavericks
Field Trip
Jan 28, 2026
911 Tour
Lauren Madden
Feb 04, 2026
A Place for Hanna
Rotary Social
Feb 18, 2026
Julie Frentz
Feb 25, 2026
Reserved for Grant Recipients
Becky Marrer
Mar 04, 2026
The Story of Jim Thorpe
Committee Meeting
Mar 11, 2026
Field Trip -Alexandria Silva, Agua Fria SD
Mar 18, 2026
Desert Edge HS, 15778 W Yuma Road, Goodyear
Anne Schoolcraft
Mar 25, 2026
Account Manager Quail Run Behavioral Health, What is Behavioral Health?
Rotary Social
Apr 01, 2026
Committee Meeting
Apr 08, 2026
Lisa Hassenger - From Rotary Verrado
Apr 15, 2026
Acceptional Acres
Field Trip
Apr 29, 2026
AFHSD Theater at the Hilltop - Alexandra Morrell
View entire list...
Join on January 9th for Casio Night