What your gift will support in 2026-2027
Wildcat Extended Day - K-5 children have an on-site, supervised after school program so that parents can work knowing their children are safe and supported. They can play with their friends, attend clubs, get homework help, or choose other activities, not on social media or video games. 100 children are enrolled!
Imagination Library - a free book is mailed to children under five each month. Over 2,200 Verde Valley children are served each year. Age-appropriate, high-quality books end up in the hands of children and their family, who are always the child's first teacher. Bilingual books are an option, which can help Hispanic children, and their parents, learn English.
Rotary Youth Programs - at Sedona Red Rock Junior and Senior High. Service clubs and leadership camps give teens chances for growth that they might not otherwise have. "My daughter came back from camp a different kid - much happier and more confident," one mom told us.
LISA (Low-Income Student Aid) - helps with activity fees, gear, and supplies that many families struggle to manage within their budget.
West Sedona School Principal Alisa Stieg and Wildcat Extended Day Director Jessica Sweeney spoke at the Rotary Club of Sedona Club Meeting on July 28th, giving updates for both the school in 2026-2027 and the extended day program.
Beyond our expectations, our club members contributed 152 lbs of food to the Sedona Community Food bank for District 5495's Collect a TON of Food Challenge. Thank you Haymar Britton for organizing us, and serving as this year's new club president!
Our Members also welcomed working parents Kael Kaska, Trevon Segle and their children, users of West Sedona School's Extended Day Program. Their testimonials spoke very clearly to why Sedona needs this program for its service commuity. Kael is the manager at Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen. Trevon and his wife both work while raising 4 children. Their 5th grade twins led West Sedona School's Student Council that started “Lunch Out of Landfills,” a program to recycle school lunch food as compost for the school's community garden.
INSTALLATION OF NEW CLUB OFFICERS & MEMBERS 2026-2027 The annual "Passing of the Gavel” to new leadership was celebrated on June 30, 2026 at the Sedona Art Center's Gallery. Delicious food supplied by our members. Outgoing District Governor Jim Schmidt inducted our new members and officers. We were honored to have Dave Cheney, , President & CEO of Northern Arizona Healthcare join us to receive the Paul Harris Make-A-Difference Award for 2026.
MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE AWARD 2026
David R. Cheney, President & CEO
Northern Arizona Healthcare
The Paul Harris Fellowship Make-A-Difference Award honors non-Rotarians in our region who enhance the quality of life for others through their actions. Paul Harris, Rotary's founder, asked his fellow Rotarians to live life by the Four-Way-Test:
- Is it the Truth?
- Is it Fair to all concerned?
- Will it build Good Will and better Friendships?
- Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
This year's selection is the result of Dave's leadership of Northern Arizona Healthcare starting at a time when morale and community opinion of NAH was low. He is changing that. When federal reimbursement for healthcare will be slashed in 2027, his steady leadership will be more important than ever!
Live Testimonials from West Sedona School’s Working Parents, Children, and Employers
THANKS YOU SPONSORS!! OVER $101,000 GIVEN TO THIS VITAL PROGRAM in 2025-26 !!
West Sedona K-5 Public School provides a free, on-site, supervised program before and after school until 6 pm for working parents. Children love playing with their friends and attending clubs. They can receive homework help and tutoring that is integrated with the regular school curriculum. Working parents love the flexibility. In the 2025-26 school year, the new director, Jess Sweeney, her staff, and volunteers remarkably improved the program.
