PHONE PUSDEF @ 928.445.5400
By Alan Hunt
Originally Published: May 11, 2026
The Daily Courier
The PUSD Education Foundation celebrated graduating seniors who have persevered during their high school careers at its annual Rising Stars Awards Banquet on Monday, May 4.
Held at the Starting Point Church and Event Center, the evening highlighted the relationship between educators and students, with each honoree recognizing a “distinguished educator” that has shaped their education at the school.
PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney hosted the evening and introduced the students alongside their chosen teacher.
This year’s student honorees were Cassandra Corder, Giada Glennan, Audrey Islas, Emily Johnson, Melody Kendrick, Jake Reyes-Kett and Ruby Rafters. Each was featured in a short video highlighting their passions, growth and post-graduation plans.
Kendrick selected English teacher Vanessa Martin as her distinguished educator.
“Not only have you shown me you’re human as well, but you’ve taught me skills that impacted my real-life experiences,” Kendrick said. “Life is more than school and throughout our journey together you made me realize that we’re not going to live forever, so you might as well be weird while you still can be.”
Kendrick plans to attend Pima Community College to pursue a paralegal degree.
Jake Reyes-Kett recognized Kathryn Van Denmark, who taught his life skills class in middle school and government course as a high school senior. He commended her for easing his post-pandemic return to the classroom through her engaging teaching style.
“What has endured in him from adolescence to near adulthood is his kindness. In any circumstance or company, Jake’s heart of gold shines through,” she said. “I have every confidence that Jake’s star will continue to rise, fueled by his character, effort, and the unflagging support of his wonderful parents.”
Reyes-Kett intends to leverage his creative background by studying photojournalism at Yavapai College.
Ruby Rafters underscored the support she received from academic advisor Helen Wanamaker during a challenging junior year.
“I spent a week in the hospital for mental health and when I returned to school, you helped me communicate to my teachers. You helped me make sure I got my credits for that year,” she said. “I truly don’t believe it would have been easy or accomplishable without your help to guide me through it, so for that I’m forever grateful for you Ms. Wanamaker.”
Rafters shared her goal of attending Rogers Academy to pursue a career in cosmetology after graduation.
“This event reminds people that sometimes the biggest success story is simply a student refusing to give up,” Executive Director of the PUSD Education Foundation Paul Kirchgraber said. “The educators being honored today helped make that possible.”
The nonprofit foundation, which seeks to fill gaps in school funding from the state, has organized the event since its inception 11 years ago.
“The Rising Stars program was created by the PUSD Education Foundation to recognize students whose stories often do not fit traditional academic award categories,” he said. “While many school award programs focus on GPA, athletics, or scholarships, Rising Stars focuses on perseverance, growth, character, and the impact educators have on students facing adversity.”
The volunteer-based organization pursues year-round initiatives such as securing classroom grants, scholarships, and supplies for students and teachers across the district.
This year’s title sponsor for the event was the Desert Financial Credit Union. Area Manager Miles Kastner praised students and faculty for their commitment to education during his address.
“Your grit and passion are the future of our community,” he said.
By Alan Hunt – The Daily Courier
Originally Published: May 11, 2026