The '26 -'27 service year was launched with the annual kick-off celebration to welcome new and returning community partners, mentors and other volunteers on Friday, September 25, 2026. The event was held in the Phoenix Academy Nest. During the festive occasion, Associate Principal Dr. Deborah Mabry presented attendees with pertinent information about the mission, vision and goals of The Phoenix Academy & DAEP, as well as information about the students we serve, and current detailed data on the many positive impacts that our mentors and volunteers have had on the outcomes of the students they serve. Mentors and volunteers were thanked for their valuable service and for the differences they make in the lives of The Phoenix Academy & DAEP students.  Attendees shared brief introductions, the reasons why they choose to serve our students, and descriptions of the services they provide. All attendees were gifted with tokens of appreciation and light refreshments were served.