Speakers Highlight New Educational Facility Set to Enhance Community
(from left: Julie Jones, Alex Morrell, Mark Yslas, President Holly)
On May 13, 2025, the Rotary Club of Verrado hosted a dynamic program featuring esteemed speakers from the Agua Fria Unified High School District. The guest speakers included Mr. Mark Yslas, Superintendent of the District, Julie Jones, Principal of the Agua Fria Academy of Media, Arts and Design, and Alex Morrell, Theater Director of the Agua Fria Academy of Media, Arts and Design. Yslas shared the exciting news that the District is nearing the groundbreaking stage for its new Academy, which will be situated on a historically significant hill once home to Paul Litchfield, the founder of Litchfield Park, Arizona. The site is strategically located at the corner of Camelback Road and Litchfield Road. The new facility promises to be a state-of-the-art educational hub, featuring an array of impressive amenities designed to foster creativity and learning. Among its highlights are:
-A 700-seat theater equipped to host a variety of performances and events for the Academy and the community.
-A 250 person “chandelier” lobby that will serve as a welcoming and elegant gathering space
-A sound studio for media and music productions
-An art gallery to showcase student and community artworks
The Academy is set to open in time for the 2026/2027 school year, marking a significant milestone in the district's commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities. Rotary members were enthusiastic about the potential impact of the new Academy on the community and the opportunities it will bring for students. Julie Jones and Alex Morrell further elaborated on the Academy's vision, with Jones focusing on the comprehensive curriculum that will integrate media, arts, and design, and Morrell highlighting the importance of the theater program in developing students' creative and performance skills, as well as being a community asset. The program concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees engaged with the speakers, expressing their support and excitement for the upcoming Academy.
Jaime Wasden-Ryum is the Executive Director of Mountain View Hospice, a nurse-owned and operated hospice service in Arizona. With a background in nursing (RN) and business (MBA), Jaime has dedicated her career to improving healthcare, particularly in hospice care. As the Engagement Coordinator for Dementia Friendly Buckeye, she works tirelessly to raise awareness, provide resources, and support the community in becoming more dementia-friendly. Jaime's passion for senior advocacy, community engagement, and improving the quality of life for patients and their families drives her work.
Driving Directions: Take Verrado Drive to the roundabout. Take first exit onto Victory Blvd. At the stop sign, turn left on Tiger Mountain. The Victory Club is at the top of the hill. Victory Hall is on the left hand side of the driveway circle.
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