by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Prescott Valley
This month’s theme at Prescott Living Magazine is Education, and Prescott Valley has a lot to offer when it comes to learning at all levels. The Town is home to the Humboldt Unified School District, numerous charter schools, the Yavapai College East Campus and Northern Arizona University-Yavapai, where students can complete a bachelor’s degree in three years. Both Yavapai College and NAU-Yavapai are adding much needed secondary education options to our growing community.
I have found myself reflecting on my own educational journey, which has ranged from attending a small elementary school in the heart of Maine all the way to my completion of a master’s degree from New Mexico State University. Each opportunity provided me with a life lesson that has certainly molded me into the person I am today. Prescott Valley is no different. As a community, we are working hard every day to ensure each and every student’s journey in life starts with an amazing opportunity.
The Prescott Valley Yavapai College allied health credit programs include phlebotomy, nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, medical assistant and health information technology.
Census results show that Prescott Valley is the fastest growing and increasingly youngest community in Yavapai County, with a large current demand in the medical industry. Local students are taking the opportunity to further their knowledge and enter an exciting and growing workforce.
As a parent of 4-year-old twins and a 10-year-old son, education is constantly being considered by my family. The good citizens of Prescott Valley often ask how the Town can be more involved with our local school systems. Schools and local government should have a symbiotic relationship and work together for the betterment of the Town.
Currently our police department has a program, Cops at Kids, in which police officers meet and interact with local school children at lunch time in an attempt to break down barriers and foster a sense of trust. Encouraging and supporting our police officers to do more at our schools is key. The department also has a school resource officer at Bradshaw Mountain High School who has created great relationships with students.
I recently had an opportunity to participate in Read Across America, which is comprised of reading stories to local elementary school students in their classrooms, as well as partaking in a question and answer session about being a mayor.
Prescott Valley prides itself on being a family-oriented community, recognizing that our children truly are the future. Sometimes we get too caught up in the daily grind of everyday life to take a step back and realize that each of us is capable of making a difference in our community.
Many opportunities exist to volunteer in our local schools either through the school itself or through organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters. You can volunteer to help a teacher in the classroom, read to students, tutor kids that need a little extra help, or perform office tasks to free up time for teachers.
Find out how to get involved with your local schools by visiting humboldtunified.com or calling the district at 928-759-4000.
Mayor, Prescott Valley
