Yelm Chamber President Ronelle Funk observes
Phoenix Rising student Tahsis Fairley’s ribbon-cutting
Photo provided by Phoenix Rising School

The Rainier-based, private Phoenix Rising School (PRS) conducted an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday, August 29th at their Cedar Grove Lane campus after a summer of major renovations, which showcased the school gardens exploding with life and renovated classrooms that have doubled in size.

PRS Executive Director Aaron Rodriguez extended a warm welcome to those gathered and explained the Vision and Mission of Rainer’s Phoenix Rising School.
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Yelm Chamber Executive Director Cecelia Jenkins,
Yelm Chamber President Ronelle Funk shares her views,
PRS Executive Director Aaron Rodriguez,
PRS Board Chair Jeevan Anandasakaran
Photo provided by Phoenix Rising School

Notable quotes from officials in the ribbon-cutting:
– Aaron Rodriguez, Executive Director, Phoenix Rising School:
“I love what we are building here at Phoenix Rising (PRS); it is entrepreneurial, creative, community oriented and cutting edge. This School has a great story to tell and highlights how we’re making private education affordable. We want to keep telling our story and ask for you to join us in talking-up PRS at every opportunity. ”
Rodriguez also acknowledged the terrific work of Dave Hygaard in the renovation of the facilities.

– Jeevan Anandasakaran, Board Chair, Phoenix Rising School:
“The future always starts with the children. Its our duty to invest in these children, so much so that theyre inspired to invest in their own children and it becomes a part of the community culture. I am passionate about what Phoenix Rising is doing to contribute to our community’s young minds.”

– Ronelle Funk, President, Yelm Chamber of Commerce:
“I am familiar with the fine reputation of the Phoenix Rising School and am very exited to have this institution in our area. My own children are enrolled in an alternative school in Olympia, so I know the value of alternative education. A school of this quality is an asset for our community.”

– Cecelia Jenkins, Executive Director, Yelm Chamber of Commerce:
“The enthusiasm set by-example of your representatives is infectious in our community. We are proud to have them [Phoenix Rising officials] as part of the Chamber.”

Yelm City Council member Mike McGowan joined the festivities
Photo provided by Phoenix Rising School

Also present and visible as guests arrived were:
– Mike McGowan, Yelm City Council member
– Cindy Teixeira, contributing reporter for the Nisqually Valley News
– Jessica Caldwell, newly appointed Office Administrator, PRS
– Heidi Smith, Communications and Outreach Manager, PRS
and the Phoenix Rising School Faculty.

A walking tour through the PRS garden
Photo provided by Phoenix Rising School

The session included light refreshments and walking tours of the classrooms, school gardens, and grounds, which are just gorgeous and a wonderfully conducive place to conduct children’s education!

Additionally,
Heidi Smith, Communications and Outreach Manager of the Phoenix Rising School had her byline published recently in ThurstonTalk, as their new school year began August 14.
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– UPDATE: September 5, 2013
“Phoenix Rising Hopes to be Model for Change”
“Yelm Private School Brings Outdoors Back Into the Classroom”
By Cindy Teixeira in the Nisqually Valley News.
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