Pathways In Education, a public, tuition-free school offering personalized learning plans, recently celebrated the opening of a center in Mesa.
Leading the celebration of the center’s opening at 1440 Country Club Drive were Principal Sheldon L. Eakins, joined by Senior Director of Schools Susan Lux, Superintendent Kristi Duenas, and student ambassadors.
“Students are beginning to develop an understanding of personal accountability by being held responsible for completing and passing their units each week,” Eakins said. “I’ve seen a change in students based on the strong student-teacher relationships that are being formed, and their confidence levels in academics are increasing daily.”
Lux told students, “Today, we’re here to celebrate who you are – your lives, your dreams, your passions, and your potential.” Superintendent Kristi Duenas thanked students “for trusting us with your dreams.”
Among those attending the celebration were Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board member Mike Jackson, President/CEO Sally Harrison, and Director of Membership Investment Susan Tychman.
Ellie Ramirez, a dedicated student at Pathways In Education, reflected on her journey of finding balance and support.
Representing Pathways were Chelsea Yokota, manager of school implementation; Vrej Boghokian, chief administrative officer; and Greg Marrero, director of operations and implementation.
Teachers and staff from Pathways In Education’s Phoenix centers also joined.
The highlight of the event was the powerful testimonials from students Alexis Russell and Ellie Ramirez.
Alexis, the Mesa Center’s first enrollee, shared her journey of resilience after losing her stepmother to COVID-19.
“While looking for a way to get my GED, I luckily found Pathways,” she said. “Now I am able to help my dad with my three siblings, have a part-time job, and stay on the honor roll.
“I wanted to give up on the whole idea of getting a high school diploma,” said Alexis. “But in the short amount of time I’ve been here, I have accomplished more than I did in years at my previous school.”
Ellie reflected on her journey of finding balance and support.
“When I walk into Pathways, everyone greets me with smiling faces. It really feels like a second home,” she said, stressing that the program’s flexibility allows her to balance work and academics seamlessly.
Their stories moved attendees, many of whom were visibly emotional during the speeches, according to a school spokesman..
Alexis Russell talked about how Pathways helped her overcome challenges and thrive both academically and personally.
“The authenticity of these speeches reminded everyone present of the critical role that individualized education and a caring community play in helping students transform their live,” a school spokeswoman said.
She added, “The event fostered connections among attendees, with families of staff expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and dedication of the PIE team. PIE’s commitment to personalized learning was evident throughout the day, reaffirming its mission to equip students with the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.”
The center is now enrolling students. Information: az.pathwaysineducation.org.