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Elks Spotlight – George Zeliff
Sometimes the best ideas begin with a single click. For George Zeliff, a Digital Communications teacher at Fountain Hills High School, one simple idea—giving students more time behind the camera—has blossomed into an opportunity that could change the course of their high school experience.
In his classroom, George teaches basic photography, graphic design, and yearbook production. But he noticed a gap: students eager to pursue photography in depth didn’t have the space or resources to fully develop their skills. Rather than let that enthusiasm fade, George launched the FHHS SkillsUSA Club—providing students with a place to grow creatively, collaborate, and prepare for state-level competitions.
Thanks to George’s initiative, at least 20 students this year—and likely more as the club grows—will gain access to cameras, competitions, and real-world creative opportunities. Club members will showcase their talents in SkillsUSA competitions, contribute to yearbook and community events, and step into leadership roles earlier in their high school journey. In short, George’s project empowers students to see the world differently—through a lens of creativity, confidence, and possibility.
"Programs like this do more than teach; they prepare students with practical, creative skills that will serve them well beyond high school." —Vinny Gargiulo Elks member and concession stand volunteer.
From his first year as a teacher to leading a brand-new program, George Zeliff has proven that passion and perseverance can inspire an entire generation of students. The Fountain Hills Elks are proud to award a grant to the Fountain Hills Unified School District on behalf of the SkillsUSA Club.
George would like to give a special shout-out to Alison Mecom, Career Tech Education (CTE) Director, for her invaluable support. She not only helped him structure the new program but also mentored him throughout the process, ensuring its success from the start.
Congratulations to George and the students of FHHS—the future looks brighter through your lens of creativity and leadership!
Elks Spotlight - Peter McGloin
Who says comebacks are just for athletes? 🏐 Peter “Coach Pete” McGloin returned to lead beach volleyball – and secured a grant for new equipment. That’s what we call a winning play!
Coach Pete is not only a school psychologist at Fountain Hills Middle School and High School but also a former volleyball and beach volleyball coach. After a few years away, he returned to coach beach volleyball because he saw the need — and the opportunity — to create positive experiences for students once again. His contributions matter because school sports don’t just fill schedules; they teach teamwork, leadership, resilience, and confidence, shaping students far beyond the court.
Most people would have stopped at simply volunteering to coach. But Coach Pete went further by starting a new middle school program. “I was inspired to come back to coaching to help provide more good experiences for the kids, and help create memories for a lifetime,” Coach Pete stated in the grant application, “I am hoping that starting a middle school club will allow for even more kids to have fun experiences playing beach volleyball, and have lots of opportunities to develop socially, physically, and mentally while learning life lessons to help them for many years to come.”
Thanks to his effort, 40–50 students at both the middle school and high school will directly benefit from safe, reliable, and professional equipment. The impact extends further: the equipment will also support staff volleyball tournaments, and community events like the “Return to Recess” program. Families and community members alike will see the ripple effect of this grant in renewed energy, participation, and pride.
Elks member and Golden Eagle concession stand volunteer Janet Pageau put it simply: “I think it’s very important for kids to be involved in a sport. It teaches them how to get along by being part of a team.”
By securing this grant from the Fountain Hills Elks Youth Project, Coach Pete has provided equipment that will serve students and the community for years. The Fountain Hills Elks proudly recognize his leadership, commitment, and vision — a reminder that when someone goes above and beyond, the rewards extend far beyond the game.