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.
The New Life Center (NCL) contacted us looking for volunteers to help the New Life Center to load their donated toys from Sanderson Ford into a U-Haul and bring the toys back to the New Life Center where they’d be separated into age groups.
We had 10 volunteers from GYPC Rotary who went to Sanderson Ford in Phoenix on December 18th to assist with loading donated toys onto a U-Haul. It is called Operation Santa Claus at Sanderson Ford, and they have been doing it for 24 years. There were a total of five charities that received toys and volunteers from the 5 Charities showed up at Sanderson Ford to assist in loading the toys into their U-Haul! This was the fourth year that NLC was selected as one of the charities.
Citizens are asked to drop a toy donation off before Christmas. Each donor received a ticket to put in a drawing bin to be eligible to win a new Lincoln SUV. They had drawn 15 tickets over several weeks before Christmas, and they drew the winner out on the 19th of December.
Volunteers from GYPC Rotary assisted in loading up the U-Haul and transporting over 30 boxes of toys to the new life center, where they were separated into age, groups, and families that utilize the New Life Center were able to come over last weekend and pick out toys for their children.
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sousa on Joint Replacement
Dr. Sousa shared with GYPC Rotarians his expertise
His focus as an Orthopedic doctor and surgeon was “patient education and shared decision-making to find the best treatment options for each individual’s goals.” He answered a variety of questions from Rotarians on treatment, prevention, and recovery, along with new techniques in Orthopedic surgery in knee and hip replacement.
Dr. Sousa completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He went on to finish a Master of Business Administration degree at Cornell University, Johnson School of Management in Ithaca, New York, before earning his Doctor of Medicine degree at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He then underwent a hip and knee surgery fellowship at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.
Dr. Sousa is the son-in-law of Rotarian Steve Thimjon and
Dr. Sousa is part of the practice of Ortho Arizona.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America