HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2026_Open Session_Item 18 (Akoma Center)_Suarez, Victor_From:Victor Suarez (Arroyo Valley HS)
To:PublicComments
Subject:#18 - Support Letter for AKOMA from DMA/AVHS
Date:Wednesday, April 15, 2026 2:43:59 PM
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Good evening Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Victor Suarez, and I serve as the Lead Administrator for the Digital
Media Arts Academy at Arroyo Valley High School. I am writing to express my
strong and unwavering support for the renewal of Akoma Unity Center’s lease.
Akoma has been an invaluable community partner to our academy. Through this
unique relationship, our students have had the opportunity to mentor younger
scholars in digital arts programs while also gaining access to meaningful, real-world
internship experiences. This partnership has not only enriched student learning but
has directly strengthened the quality and impact of our program at AVHS.
Because of partnerships like the one we share with Akoma, our Digital Media Arts
Academy has achieved significant success, including being recognized as a Gold
Certified pathway in our district for the second consecutive year—an
accomplishment that is a first not only in our county, but across the state. This level
of excellence is rooted in our ability to connect classroom learning with authentic
community-based experiences, something Akoma consistently makes possible.
Akoma serves as a vital bridge between education and community. It provides
our scholars with hands-on opportunities, mentorship, and a safe, supportive
environment where they can grow academically, creatively, and personally. It
is truly a beacon of hope and a haven for many of the students and families we
serve.
As an academy, we have ambitious plans to continue expanding our work with
community partners to ensure our students are prepared for college, careers, and
civic engagement. In order for these plans to succeed and for our scholars to
continue thriving, we need Akoma to remain a stable and active presence in our
community.
I respectfully urge you to support the renewal of Akoma Unity Center’s lease so
they can continue their critical work alongside schools like ours, empowering the
next generation and strengthening our community as a whole.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,