PHOENIX, Ariz. — Phoenix College is proud to celebrate LaShaun Starks, a beloved teacher at Phoenix College Preparatory Academy (PCPA), who has been named the latest recipient of the prestigious Silver Apple Award. Presented by Arizona's Family and sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union, the award recognizes Starks' 16 years of exceptional mentorship, leadership development, and dedication to her students.
Starks teaches art, leads senior capstone classes, and serves as student council advisor at PCPA — a fully accredited high school located on the campus of Phoenix College. She was nominated for the honor by multiple students, who described her as a tireless advocate who works tirelessly behind the scenes and empowers them to become leaders.
“Miss Starks has been an extraordinary asset to our students and our entire school community. She works tirelessly to support her students and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. She is a passionate student advocate and consistently puts students' needs at the center of every decision she makes. “ - Lisa Thomas, PCPA Principal
Watch the full story as featured on Arizona's Family.
High School Reimagined
Phoenix College Preparatory Academy offers high school students a transformative educational experience unlike anything available at a traditional high school. Situated on the campus of Phoenix College — one of the nation’s oldest community colleges — PCPA students benefit from a college-immersed environment from day one.
Enrolled students gain access to college-level coursework, state-of-the-art facilities, and the guidance of dedicated educators like Starks — all while earning their high school diploma. The program is designed to prepare students not just academically, but as leaders and critical thinkers ready for college, career, and beyond. In 2025, 45% of PCPA graduates also earned their Associate Degrees.
"This recognition of LaShaun Starks reflects the caliber of faculty that PCPA attracts — passionate educators who are deeply invested in each student's growth." - Dr. Wilbert Nelson, Phoenix College Dean of Academic Affairs
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About Phoenix College Preparatory Academy
Phoenix College Preparatory Academy is a high school located on the campus of Phoenix College in Phoenix, Arizona. PCPA provides students with a rigorous, college-focused curriculum in an environment that fosters academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. For more information about PC Prep and enrollment opportunities, visit phoenixcollege.edu/community/pc-prep.
About Phoenix College
Founded in 1920, Phoenix College is the flagship institution of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college systems in the nation. Serving more than 17,000 students each year, the college offers over 200 degree and certificate programs, including associate degrees, university transfer pathways, workforce training, and select bachelor’s degrees aligned with Arizona’s evolving workforce needs. Committed to access, academic excellence, and student success, Phoenix College helps students build skills, advance their careers, and create better futures for themselves and their families.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal-opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the District's career and technical education programs. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call (480) 731-8499 to reach the appointed coordinator, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system: http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.
Media Contact: Christy Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing
[email protected] / 602-920-8458 / phoenixcollege.edu