Safford Rotary Club

09/21/2026

07/07/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by and placed your well-loved American flags in our Flag Retirement Collection Boxes during the Fourth of July celebrations. Your participation showed the respect our community has for our nation's flag, and we are truly grateful.

We are excited to share that this will now be an ongoing community service provided by Safford Rotary! We are grateful to partner with the City of Safford, the Town of Thatcher, and the Town of Pima to make respectful flag retirement available year-round.

You can now find our Flag Retirement Collection Boxes at:
🇺🇸 Safford City Hall – Town Clerk's Office
🇺🇸 Thatcher Town Hall
🇺🇸 Pima Town Hall

If you have an American flag that is worn, torn, or no longer fit for display, we invite you to place it in one of these collection boxes so it can be retired with the honor and respect it deserves.

These beautiful collection boxes were made possible through the generosity of our sponsor, Total Trust Home Loans, and dedication of fellow Rotarian Gerhardt deBeer. We sincerely thank them for helping bring this community service to life.

We are also working to organize a community Flag Retirement Ceremony where everyone will be invited to learn about the significance of properly retiring our nation's flag and participate in this meaningful tradition.

Thank you for helping us preserve this important symbol of our country with the dignity and respect it deserves.

07/02/2026

🇺🇸 As we celebrate our nation’s independence and begin the commemoration of America’s 250th birthday, let’s also take a moment to honor one of our most treasured symbols—the American flag.

The Safford Rotary Club will have Flag Retirement Collection Boxes available at:
• Pima Pancake Breakfast
• Thatcher Splash Pad during the lunch celebration
• Graham County Fairgrounds during the fireworks celebration

If you have an American flag that is worn, faded, torn, or no longer suitable for display, we invite you to place it in one of our collection boxes. Each flag will be retired with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Thank you for helping us honor our flag and our country as we celebrate the freedoms it represents.

From all of us at Safford Rotary, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and happy Independence Day! These boxes are made possible by Rotarian Geherd DeBeer at Total Trust Home Loans and CMI. 🇺🇸

05/28/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Triumphant Learning Center is Julia Farley! 👏

Director shared that Julia has been instrumental in building an exceptional music program at TLC through her passion, creativity, and dedication to students.

Julia is recognized for creating a music program that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones while providing the support and encouragement they need to succeed. Through her efforts, students are not only learning to appreciate music, but are actively engaging with it by learning to play instruments and perform with confidence.

Her classroom is described as a place filled with energy, creativity, and joy, where lessons are engaging, meaningful, and thoughtfully designed to help students grow. Julia has also worked tirelessly to ensure students have access to working instruments without placing additional financial burdens on families.

Beyond the classroom, Julia has developed and led outstanding music concerts that celebrate student achievement, creativity, and growth while bringing families and the school community together. Her commitment to excellence and the positive relationships she builds with students make a lasting impact across campus.

Triumphant Learning Center shared their gratitude for Julia’s dedication and the incredible difference she continues to make in the lives of students every day.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Julia Farley, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚✨

05/27/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Thatcher Middle School is Mrs. Finch! 👏

Principal shared that Mrs. Finch is a true example of a Teacher of Distinction through her constant commitment to improving instruction and meeting the needs of her students.

Mrs. Finch is recognized for her creative and intentional approach to increasing student engagement and strengthening math achievement. This year, she introduced initiatives such as Math Wars and Finch Bucks to motivate students and make learning both meaningful and exciting.

Beyond academics, Mrs. Finch consistently goes above and beyond to support the overall well-being of her students. Her dedication, care, and positive impact are felt throughout the entire campus community.

Thatcher Middle School shared their appreciation for the passion and commitment Mrs. Finch brings to education each and every day.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Mrs. Finch, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚✨

05/27/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Solomon Elementary School is Paula Arrey! 👏

Superintendent shared that Mrs. Arrey has been instrumental in helping keep Solomon School running smoothly through her unmatched dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve wherever needed.

Paula is recognized for making a seamless transition from teaching 4th and 5th grade to kindergarten, where her caring approach and commitment to students have helped make this year’s kindergarten class a success. Her passion for education and dedication to her students are evident in all that she does.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Arrey generously gives her time and talents in countless ways throughout the school community. Whether driving a bus, organizing the spelling bee, coordinating Red Ribbon Week, creating yearbooks, or tutoring students in need, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students, staff, and families.

Solomon Elementary School shared their deep appreciation for Mrs. Arrey and the positive impact she continues to make every day.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Paula Arrey, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚

05/27/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Thatcher Elementary School is Debbie Crandall! 👏

Principal shared that with 33 years of dedicated service to the district, Debbie exemplifies what it truly means to be a Teacher of Distinction.

Throughout her career, Debbie has remained deeply committed to student success, creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Her caring nature and genuine compassion have made a lasting impact not only on her students, but also on the colleagues and families she has supported throughout the years.

Debbie is recognized for her professionalism, integrity, and willingness to mentor and encourage others, consistently helping strengthen the entire school community. Her dedication and service have positively influenced generations of students and staff alike.

Thatcher Elementary School shared their appreciation for Debbie’s unwavering commitment to education and the extraordinary difference she continues to make every day.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Debbie Crandall, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚✨

05/26/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Safford Middle School is Monica Torres! 👏

Principal shared that Mrs. Torres exemplifies excellence through her ability to successfully balance multiple demanding roles while always keeping students at the center of her work. Whether serving as an 8th-grade math resource teacher, leading the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program, or teaching English Language Learners, Monica’s dedication and compassion are evident in everything she does.

Monica is especially recognized for the care and advocacy she provides for her ELL students, consistently asking how more can be done to support their success. She creates a safe and welcoming environment while also holding students accountable, helping them grow academically, personally, and emotionally.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Torres is known as a valued colleague and leader whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes a tremendous impact throughout the school community. Her professionalism, heart for students, and commitment to helping every child succeed make Safford Middle School a better place for both students and staff.

Safford Middle School shared their appreciation for Mrs. Torres and the difference she makes every single day through her leadership, compassion, and dedication.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Monica Torres, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚✨

05/25/2026

🍎✨ Each year, recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Safford High School is Mark Adamson! 👏

Principal shared that Mr. Adamson is one of the most honest, hardworking, and dedicated educators at Safford High School. As the school’s Partial Inclusion Self-Contained teacher, Mark consistently goes above and beyond to support his students and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed.

Mark is recognized for the countless hours he invests in preparing lessons, organizing programs, and creating opportunities for students with disabilities to develop lifelong skills. He has been actively involved with Special Olympics and has helped implement the nationally recognized PAES program, which prepares students for greater independence and future success.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Adamson recently took over the Bulldog Pantry to help ensure students in need have access to food, hygiene products, and school supplies. His compassion, patience, and servant leadership make a tremendous impact on students, staff, and the entire school community.

Safford High School shared how fortunate they are to have Mr. Adamson as a role model and leader for both students and colleagues alike.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Mark Adamson, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎