A surprise graduation ceremony for student teacher Claudia Vasquez

Peoria Unified’s Desert Valley Elementary School, located at 12901 N. 63rd Ave. in Glendale, held a surprise graduation ceremony for student-teacher Claudia Vasquez 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11. Mrs. Vasquez was set to graduate from Grand Canyon University the prior weekend, but unfortunately the graduation ceremony was cancelled. Upon hearing the news of the cancelled event, Desert Valley’s leadership decided to hold their own surprise ceremony just for Mrs. Vasquez.

Desert Valley staff was dressed in their caps and gowns, and socially distanced, to celebrate this accomplishment. Prior to being a student-teacher, Mrs. Vasquez served as registrar for Desert Valley for 12 years and spent some time as an attendance clerk at Ironwood High School. Mrs. Vasquez hopes to secure a permanent teaching position at Desert Valley after her student-teaching position is over.

Peoria Unified School District is nestled in the Northwest Valley of Peoria, Arizona and is home to 42 stellar public schools that are unique and created to fit the needs of all students. Peoria Unified is the choice district for more than 37,000 students and 4,000 staff, serving as one of the largest employers in the West Valley and one of the largest unified school districts in Arizona.

The district has signature programs spread out between 34 kindergarten through eighth-grade elementary schools and eight high schools that excel in academics, arts, athletics and Career and Technical Education programs. The Strategic Plan outlines a laser focus on four key areas: Student Success,
Safety and Well-Being, Stewardship of Community Resources and Community Connection. Above all, Peoria Unified is committed to transparency, parent involvement and ensuring that “Every Student, Every Day is Prepared to Shape Tomorrow.”