Dr. Virginia Mc Elyea, Superintendent, Deer Valley Unified School District

The ending of the 2005‑2006 school year often elicits emotions of excitement, relief, anxiety and        reflection in students, parents and educators.  While the contributions of the Class of 2006 are numerous in academics, athletics and the arts, I am the most impressed with their community service efforts.  A specific project that occurred in every district high school – Barry Goldwater, Boulder Creek, Deer Valley, Mountain Ridge, as well as Sandra Day O’Connor  – is particularly notable.

The community service project focused on our own community.  I had the privilege of working with 22 students representing each middle school and high school, as well as two of our K‑8 schools.  This group of student leaders, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, decided to work with the pediatric units of John C. Lincoln Hospital in Deer Valley. Students were assisted through the award of a City of Phoenix Focus on Results Youth Grant in completing the community service project.

First, in partnership with many local businesses, the fire department, police department, and the hospital’s pediatric staff, students organized a “Teddy Bear Clinic.” Young children and their parents toured Mendy’s Place, the pediatric emergency room.  The event on April 22, 2006 also included games for kids, information for parents and drawings for prizes. A second  component of this project involved fund raising for medical equipment to be donated to John C. Lincoln’s pediatric unit. To date, students have collected more than $11,000. 

This event is evidence that the Class of 2006 has many compassionate, empathetic, energetic young adults.  I will reflect on the accomplishments of these young adults as I proudly watch them cross the stage for their diploma at the May  graduation ceremonies.