On Wednesday, May 22, 2025, Parker Alternative School held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2025. The commencement took place at the Parker Learning Center, located at the Arizona Western College.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Center Director Lesley Brown who greeted family and friends gathered to celebrate the 22 students receiving their diplomas. Joining Ms. Brown were the Instructional Support staff members Elijah Fisher and Heaven Humphrey.
Speakers at the event included Danika Esquerra, who delivered the senior speech. Mr. Fisher, presented the Academic Excellence Award, which is based on high motivation, integrity, intellectual depth, leadership qualities and exceptional judgment. The recipients of this award were Ralph Miller Jr., Christopher Welch and Danai Ameelyenah. The award for Academic Achievement was presented by Ms. Humphrey. This award recognized students for their outstanding educational growth, improvement, commitment, and intellectuel development. The recipients of this award were Leora Jimenez and Keaton Dunlap. Ms. Brown then presented this year’s Citizenship Award, given to one student who exhibits exceptional behavior, is ready to help others, and treats everyone with respect. This year’s recipient was Sofia Rodriguez.
In addition to the awards, Ms. Brown gave special recognition to three students, Leora Jimenez, Sofia Rodriguez, and Aleah Stone, who have been with her since the beginning of her career at Parker Alternative School. She expressed how honored and proud she was of these students. Each received a copy of the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!.
In attendance were staff members from Arizona Western College, including Director of Adult Education Yareli Pasillas-Miller and Associate Dean for La Paz County Randy Hartless. They were there to recognize students who have already taken college courses or workshops, or who plan to enroll in the fall. Mr. Hartless distributed AWC pins to Danika Esquerra, Genesis Moreno, Sofia Rodriguez, Christopher Welch, Ariana Welsh and Alexandra Yazzie.
Congratulations to the Parker Alternative School graduates Class of 2025.
