Cochise County School Superintendent

06/11/2026

Village Meadows Elementary truly shined on April 28th during their wonderful 2nd Grade Biography Day! Our students in Ms. Dickerson’s and Ms. Quinones’ classes spent weeks researching influential Americans, organizing their findings, and turning their hard work into impressive tri-fold displays.

Each student chose a notable figure, learned how to gather and organize information, drafted and revised their writing, and then proudly shared what they learned with classmates and families. Their confidence, excitement, and growing skills in research, writing, and presentation were on full display.

This project also highlights the strong collaboration between Ms. Dickerson, a first-year teacher, and Ms. Quinones, a 14‑year veteran educator. Together, they created a meaningful learning experience that encouraged curiosity, perseverance, and pride.
I am incredibly proud of these students and grateful to the Village Meadows community for supporting events that celebrate learning in such a joyful way.

05/22/2026

Joyce Clark Middle School 8th Graders Celebrate Promotion at Buena High School

On Wednesday, Joyce Clark Middle School's eighth graders celebrated their promotion with a ceremony held in the Klein Center for the Performing Arts at Buena High School. All 188 students walked across the stage as an auditorium packed with family and friends looked on to celebrate their achievement. District and school staff followed a host of speakers in handing out certificates of achievement, each signifying a student's readiness to move on to high school.
The school's Outstanding Coyote, Zoie Blum, opened the program by leading classmates and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest speaker and Cochise County School Superintendent Dr. Jacqui Clay then took the podium, thanking the community for its time, patience, and belief in the young students.
Clay told the graduates that everyone present that day honored their hard work, progress, challenges, and victories, and the bright future that lies ahead. "Today you stand at the next chapter — high school," she said. "You are a very, very, very important part of this world's puzzle. Don't ever think that you are insignificant. You were born for a reason."
She continued, "Don't ever sell yourself short. Don't ever think you don't matter. We need you, because you are a very important part of this world's puzzle."
Joyce Clark Middle School Principal Jeanette Paz, a longtime educator, then addressed the crowd, sharing that her time as principal — though brief — has nonetheless been a truly rewarding experience. Paz praised the students for demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the year, comparing their perseverance to the school’s coyote mascot.
"A coyote doesn't give up when the path gets hard," Paz said. "It adapts, learns, survives — it thrives in a changing environment. It keeps moving forward, no matter the obstacles. That is exactly what each of you has done this year."
Paz went on to acknowledge that high school will bring new challenges, imploring students to step into those challenges with confidence, to trust themselves, and to believe in their own ability to overcome.
Eighth grade student council member Rylee Seifert then addressed her classmates, offering congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the school's teachers. Seifert also acknowledged a bittersweet reality — that Joyce Clark Middle School will be closing its doors after next year's 2026–27 school year, which will serve the campus's final class of eighth graders. "Even though the buildings will be closing," she said, "the memories we made will never be lost."
After the ceremony, as eighth grader Steven Green and his family made their way to their vehicle, he reflected on the milestone with a smile. "It was really fun to be here," he said. "Just knowing that it was fun being in middle school, and having a lot of memories with my friends — it was a really nice experience."
Looking ahead, Green expressed cautious optimism about the road before him. "I think high school is going to be great," he said. "I know it's going to be a little challenging, but I know it's going to be awesome — and I'll make more memories with those people."
With certificates in hand and the cheers of loved ones still echoing in the Klein Center, the Class of Joyce Clark Middle School stepped forward — ready for whatever comes next.

05/19/2026

Exciting opportunity for kids this summer!🤩🦇

05/17/2026

Skills Private Academy Celebrates Largest Graduating Class

Sierra Vista, Arizona — Skills Private Academy held its annual graduation ceremony last week at the El Camino Real campus in Sierra Vista. The private school, which provides individualized instruction and small-group learning environments for students with special needs, continues to fill a vital role in Cochise County’s educational landscape.
This year’s graduating class of four students marks the largest in the academy’s seven-year history. The graduates are Katrina Bonilla, Angela Moreno, Julion Soto, and Ryan Thomas.
Janice Surgenor, mother of graduate Katrina Bonilla, expressed deep pride in her daughter’s accomplishment. “She’s been here since the eighth grade and I’m very proud of her,” Surgenor said. “She stuck it out and put in all the hard work to accomplish this. I’m really excited to see what the future brings for her after graduation-— what kind of job she gets, along with the challenges and promotions she experiences as an adult.”
Skills Private Academy owner and superintendent Kelly Michael, who recently opened a second campus at the beginning of 2026, became emotional when reflecting on the milestone. “Don’t make me cry,” Michael said. “It’s hard to say goodbye to students, some of them I’ve known for a very, very long time.”
Michael, who previously worked in public schools, shared a special connection with one graduate in particular. “One in particular, Ryan, I’ve known for a long time. His family and I have become really close.” She added, “I’m so proud of who they are today, and who they’re going to become, and the progress that they made while here. I’m really, really grateful to be a part of their journey.”
Skills teacher Kandi Zimpelman captured the excitement of the day. “Today we’re celebrating a big day at Skills Private Academy,” she said. “We’re graduating our biggest class yet. They’re ready for the next chapter of life.”
Cochise County School Superintendent Dr. Jacqui Clay served as the guest speaker. Clay praised the collective support surrounding the graduates. “Thank you for supporting these amazing students,” she said. “Your love and your patience and encouragement helped them to reach this moment.”
Clay quoted Jeremiah 29:11, telling the graduates: “For I know the plans I have for you.” Clay also said, “Plans for hope, plans for an amazing future, plans for a great life. And that’s what all of you have right now — a great life.”
Graduate Katrina Bonilla offered a memorable reflection on her achievement. “I’m just a girl expanding her wings,” she said. “I’m gonna be so famous someday for so many things like art. Thank you Skills and pretty much every other school that I’ve been to for teaching me.”
The ceremony not only honored the graduates’ hard work but also highlighted the important role that specialized, supportive educational environments play in helping students with special needs reach their full potential.

05/14/2026

05/12/2026

Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista Hosts 64th Annual Honors Recognition Breakfast

Over the weekend, the Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista hosted its 64th Annual High School Honors Recognition Breakfast at the Sierra Vista Golf Center. On Saturday, the club honored 26 seniors from seven area high schools, 21 of whom were able to attend.
The Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista has been a staple organization in the community for nearly as long as the city itself. Originally chartered in early 1957, it holds the distinction of being the first Kiwanis club established in Sierra Vista. True to its motto, "It's All About the Kids," the club highlights its dedication to local youth through several leadership and service programs.
Member Steve Conroy helps coordinate part of the program. "This is probably one of the nicest things we, as a club, do for the community," he said. "It's to recognize the top honor students — the kids who have done the best in our community. I think it's a way of encouraging them to continue to be successful."
Board member and past club president Ron Faulkner oversees the development of the honors program and brings decades of dedication to the event. "I've been doing this, I guess, for about 34 years, and I'm already thinking about next year," he said. Faulkner noted that one of the breakfast's key highlights is a video featuring famed entertainer Red Skelton's rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance — a tradition the club has upheld for approximately 17 years.
The moment clearly resonated with honorees. Buena High School senior Callee Young reflected, "The food was really good, and the opening ceremonies with the story about the Pledge of Allegiance — with the music — was really beautiful. It was really cool hearing about everything the club has done for the community. I didn't realize all of the things they did. It's really amazing."
Samuel Daynes, a recipient from American Leadership Academy, shared a similar sentiment. "I think it's super cool, because I've been working hard my entire high school career getting good grades. It's cool to see that it reaps some rewards — not just the A's, but also a breakfast and some honoring."
Cochise County School Superintendent Dr. Jacqui Clay served as the guest speaker, delivering an uplifting address that challenged seniors to be pathfinders and trailblazers as they pursue life beyond high school. "Start something bigger than yourself," she urged. "Every great leader I've ever known — whether in education, military, business, or public service — has understood one truth: leadership is service. It's not about recognition or awards or being in the front. It's about lifting others up, seeing a need and stepping forward, and using your gifts to make somebody else's life better."
The breakfast concluded with each student being called to the podium to share their post-graduation plans and receive a certificate. Kiwanis member Elaine Carlson then presented each honoree with a handmade white or dark chocolate diploma of their choosing, after which Dr. Clay personally greeted and congratulated every graduate.

05/11/2026

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and our amazing staff hit the road to deliver handmade wax melts to every teacher across Cochise County!
We appreciate all of our incredible educators and the heart they put into supporting students every single day.
Our team hand‑poured 1,300 wax melts to share a little joy and gratitude with each of you. Thank you, Cochise County teachers — you inspire us! 💛🍎✨

05/11/2026

Congratulations!

05/11/2026

Congratulations, Ms. Yesenia!