Canyon State Academy

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💜🍦 Bunco, Ice Cream, and Beautiful Connections 🍦💜

On Saturday, our DLA girls enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon with the Lily Ladies during a special Bunco & Ice Cream event! The girls learned how to play Bunco, shared lots of laughs, and spent quality time building connections with one another and the wonderful Lily Ladies.

The Lily Ladies are an incredible group of women from diverse backgrounds and careers who generously volunteer their time each month to host activities and events for our girls. Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to invest in the lives of our youth make a lasting impact.

The afternoon ended with everyone enjoying ice cream together, creating sweet memories and meaningful friendships. We are so grateful for the Lily Ladies and the positive influence they continue to have on our DLA community.

Thank you, Lily Ladies, for sharing your time, talents, and hearts with our girls. 💕

On May 28th, we celebrated our very first Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, and our hearts are still full.

There is a Nigerian proverb that says, "It takes a village to raise a child." On this special evening, our village showed up.

We were honored to recognize the incredible individuals and organizations that give their time, talents, and hearts to our students. From our dedicated tutors, the men of Measure of a Man, the women of Gathering Threads, the Lily Ladies, Repurposed volunteers, event and holiday volunteers, community members, Just Serve, and the Queen Creek Police Department, just to name a few. Each of you plays a vital role in helping our students thrive.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was hearing directly from our youth through personal letters and poems expressing the impact volunteers have had on their lives. Their words were a powerful reminder that every conversation, every hour served, every act of kindness, and every moment invested truly matters.

As we shared a meal together, volunteers had the opportunity to spend quality time with the youth they support, building deeper connections and creating lasting memories.

This evening was more than a dinner, it was a celebration of community, compassion, and the collective belief that every young person deserves encouragement, opportunity, and people who care.

To every volunteer, partner, supporter, and friend of our organization: thank you for being part of our village. Your service is changing lives, and we are profoundly grateful.

Together, we are making a difference, one student, one relationship, and one act of service at a time. ❤️

You're invited! 🎤✨

Join us this Sunday, May 10th from 4:30–5:30 PM at QC Junction Cafe for an inspiring afternoon of student slam poetry. Come listen, connect, and support these talented voices as they share their work.

Thank you for supporting our students and our community, we hope to see you there!

🍎 Help Us Support Our Students 🍎

At Canyon State Academy, we have students who require low-carb and specialized dietary snacks due to diabetes and other health needs. We’re reaching out to our amazing community to help us keep these students healthy, energized, and supported every day.

We are currently accepting donations of low-carb, diabetic-friendly snacks, including:

• Sugar-free/ zero sugar snacks (Jell-O cups, pudding cups, popsicles)

• Smart Pop Popcorn

Fruit (blueberries, grapes, strawberries, apples)
Veggies: Carrots, veggie sticks, bell pepper minis in bag
• Jerky or beef sticks zero sugar or sugar free

📦 Donations can be dropped off or shipped to:
20061 E Rittenhouse Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
c/o Elizabeth Seminario

Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for helping us care for their health and well-being! 💙

Low Carb Friendly Snacks - JustServe We are seeking donations of low-carb, sugar free, zero sugar friendly snacks for students with dietary restriction needs at Canyon State Academy and Desert Lily

This weekend at the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market in Scottsdale was more than just an event, it was an opportunity.

As the recognized nonprofit, Canyon State Academy had the privilege of showcasing our Repurposed Thrift Store, but the true highlight was watching our boys step into leadership, helping guests, engaging with the community, and building confidence in real time.

Moments like these matter. They remind our youth of their potential and show them they are capable of something greater.

Thank you for supporting not just a booth, but a mission.

Come see our awesome staff and students at “Junk in the Trunk,” this weekend! Located at the Westworld in Scottsdale.

What an unforgettable day at our 22nd Annual Canyon State Academy Golf Tournament! ⛳️

We were thrilled to welcome 216 players, completely filling Ocotillo Golf Course and bringing incredible energy, generosity, and community spirit to the course. From the first tee-off to the final putt, it was a day full of connection, laughter, and purpose.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing our students shine serving alongside our amazing chef, connecting with guests, and stepping up as student speakers to share their journeys. They truly brought the heart to this event, and we couldn’t be more proud of the confidence and growth they continue to show.

We are so grateful for our sponsors, whose continued support helps make this event bigger and better each year. You’re not just supporting a tournament, you’re helping create real opportunities and brighter futures for our students.

A huge shoutout to our staff for making it all happen! From early planning to day-of ex*****on, your hard work and dedication created such a smooth, successful, and FUN event.

To our volunteers and community partners, thank you for showing up, jumping in, and helping create such a welcoming and positive experience for everyone on the course.

And let’s not forget that perfect Arizona weather to wrap up an amazing day!

To everyone who played, sponsored, volunteered, and supported, thank you for being part of something so special. You are truly making a difference, and we are beyond grateful. 💙

💙 Why contribute?
Canyon State Academy helps at-risk youth change their path by providing a safe, supportive environment where they can heal, learn, and thrive. Your contribution helps provide:

✔️ CTE Programs & Vocations
✔️ Counseling and mentorship
✔️ Life skills development
✔️ Support education, tutoring & career readiness

💡 How It Works
The Arizona Tax Credit allows you to contribute to a qualified organization like Canyon State Academy and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes. You support local youth while lowering your tax bill!

👉 It’s Simple:
1️⃣ Visit www.canyonstateacademy.com
2️⃣ Click Donate
3️⃣ Choose your donation amount and complete the steps
4️⃣ File your taxes and claim your credit

✨ Your generosity empowers Arizona’s youth to overcome challenges and build better futures. It’s an easy, meaningful way to give back.

Questions?
Call (480) 987-2026