A New Path to Success: Pathways In Education - Mesa Celebrates Grand Opening

Mesa, AZ – On November 14, 2024, Pathways In Education (PIE), Arizona celebrated the grand opening of its new Mesa Center at 1440 Country Club Dr #11 Mesa, AZ 85210, marking an important milestone in serving the educational needs of the Mesa community. With heartfelt speeches, guided tours, and raffle prizes, the event showcased PIE's commitment to empowering students and families through unique and personalized learning opportunities.

A moment of celebration! (Left to right) Greg Marrero (Director of Operations and Implementation), Susan Lux (Senior Director of Schools), Principal Sheldon L. Eakins and student speakers, Alexis Russell and Ellie Ramirez, and Superintendent Kristi Duenas cut the ribbon to officially open the new center.

The celebration began with an inspiring ribbon-cutting ceremony led by 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,” Principal Sheldon L. Eakins shared during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “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.”

Kevin D’Rosa, Ambassador for the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the grand opening, highlighting the vital role of community partnerships in advancing local educational efforts.

Susan Lux energized the audience by celebrating the students: “Today, we’re here to celebrate who you are—your lives, your dreams, your passions, and your potential.” Superintendent Kristi Duenas expressed her gratitude, adding, “Thank you to our students for trusting us with your dreams.”

Notable attendees included prominent members of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, such as Board Member Mike Jackson, Ambassador Kevin D’Rosa, President and CEO Sally Harrison, and Director of Membership Investment Susan Tychman. Representing Pathways’ leadership team 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, contributing to the family atmosphere. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with the PIE team, including teachers who warmly engaged guests in learning about the program.

Student Voices and Their Impact

The highlight of the event was the powerful testimonials from students Alexis Russell and Ellie Ramirez.

Alexis Russell, shared her journey of resilience and success, explaining how Pathways helped her overcome challenges and thrive both academically and personally.

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. Now I am able to help my dad with my three siblings, have a part-time job, and stay on the honor roll,” she said.

“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 Ramirez, a dedicated student at Pathways In Education, reflected on her journey of finding balance and support.

Ellie described the welcoming environment at PIE. She noted, “When I walk into Pathways, everyone greets me with smiling faces. It really feels like a second home.” Ellie expressed how 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. 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 lives.

Community and Event Highlights

The grand opening created a family atmosphere filled with warmth, connection, and excitement.

Students and guests engaged in interactive games throughout the event, with student ambassadors proudly leading guests on personalized tours of the Mesa Center.

Attendees enjoyed student-guided tours, led by enthusiastic student ambassadors who proudly showcased the center’s spaces and shared insights into their daily activities. Guests captured fun memories at the interactive photo booth, snapping Polaroid pictures and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The celebration was topped off with a lively raffle, where lucky winners took home exciting prizes like Stanley mugs and AirPods.

Guests captured fun memories at the interactive photo booth, snapping Polaroid pictures and sharing moments of joy from the grand opening celebration!

A Meaningful Connection

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 new Mesa center is now enrolling students! Visit https://info.pathwaysineducation.org/az to learn more and take the first step toward personalized learning success.

The dedicated team at Pathways In Education - Arizona comes together to celebrate its grand opening.

About Pathways In Education - Mesa

Pathways In Education, Arizona is a public, tuition-free school offering personalized learning plans for students. With a focus on creating meaningful educational experiences, PIE empowers students to reach their potential and succeed in all areas of life. Pathways in Education has three locations, two in Phoenix including one on Greenway Road opening in January 2025. For more information, please visit https://az.pathwaysineducation.org/.

1140 S. Country Club Drive #11 Mesa, AZ 85210

(480) 674-7485

azpathwaysineducation.org