On an evening just before Thanksgiving break, the Brophy campus glowed with more than just holiday lights. It radiated with gratitude, hope, and the extraordinary spirit of community that defines the Brophy Community Foundation.
Our annual Tree Lighting celebration brought together donors, students, families, and friends for an unforgettable evening that honored the past, celebrated the present, and illuminated the path to the future.
This year's event featured something truly special: a synchronized Christmas light show and props conceived, designed, and built from scratch entirely by BCF interns. What began as one student's dream to share the Christmas spirit with the donors who made his Brophy education possible became a testament to creativity, perseverance, and brotherhood.
Victor Mendez '26 pitched the ambitious idea to bring a light show to life. Thanks to BCF's support, Victor assembled a team with fellow interns Guillermo Secundino '27 and Jared Cardona '27. Together, they spent late nights in the woodshop, teaching themselves to use unfamiliar tools while navigating the technical challenges of coding a light display.
The learning curve was steep. Jared had never seen most of the tools before, and they had to figure out "this weird website" for programming the lights. But despite the challenges, Jared wouldn't trade the experience. "I was able to be creative and have fun in the process," he reflected. "Plus, I was contributing to the same foundation that helped me attend Brophy, and being able to do it with great friends."
The late nights were filled with both frustration and laughter. At one point, after Jared and Guillermo spent considerable time building a stand for one of the props, they stepped back for inspection and realized it wasn't straight. But through the mistakes and the joking around, they figured it out. As Guillermo put it, "Those late hours ended up being some of my favorite memories from the entire project. Learning together, laughing together, and building something we were proud of."
Meanwhile, Julian Kies '27 took on the task of organizing the carolers, ensuring that the musical performances would add warmth and joy to the evening's celebration.
As the evening's program began with "Carol of the Bells" accompanied by the students' light show, the magic of the moment was palpable. Three powerful speeches followed, each offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of BCF support.
The Past: Jonathan Chavez '26 reflected on his seven-year journey through the Brophy community, beginning at Loyola Academy. Growing up in Maryvale with "barred windows and police sirens blaring every other night," Jonathan never imagined the future that awaited him. Loyola didn't just prepare him academically. It gave him a community that believed in him, taught him resilience, and showed him that his background doesn't define his potential. "Your support makes that possible, not just for me, but for every student who walks through Loyola Academy's doors," he shared. "You're not just funding a program; you're transforming lives."
The Present: Victor Mendez '26 shared a profound realization from a recent Thanksgiving food distribution event. While serving meals downtown, he connected with a man over their shared love of a simple loaf of bread. "Serving someone else didn't drain me," he reflected. "It made me feel lighter, cleaner, more human." In that moment, he understood Brophy's true gift: "the ability to see the world not through difference, but through connection." BCF didn't just help him afford tuition. It gave him access to moments that shape who he is becoming, moments that teach compassion, leadership, and purpose.
The Future: Josue Valdez '26 spoke with both vulnerability and confidence about his journey. What seemed like an impossible dream, attending Brophy despite financial constraints, became reality because BCF stepped in. As he shared his story, Josue was awaiting news about his Questbridge scholarship application, facing an uncertain but exciting future. His courage in acknowledging both his fears and his faith was palpable: "No matter what, I will be okay." His four years as a Bronco had "fortified my character and morphed me into a person who does not falter in the face of the unknown."
As the program concluded with a joyful sing-along to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," the entire gathering counted down together to illuminate the tree. In that moment of shared light, the true meaning of the evening shone clear. As Josue reminded us, "Each and every dollar donated, each and every time you mention BCF to a loved one, a friend, an acquaintance, even, you are contributing to something bigger than yourself."
Bob Ryan, President of Brophy College Preparatory, closed the evening with a powerful reminder of BCF's mission: "At BCF, we believe financial barriers or situations should not limit opportunity." He also took a moment to celebrate Dawn Kennedy, executive director and founder of BCF, who will be retiring in early 2026. Under her visionary leadership, BCF has distributed over $100 million in tuition aid to families with financial need across Arizona. This is a remarkable legacy that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people and their families.
This is what the Brophy Community Foundation is all about: giving thousands of young men the chance to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. As guests transitioned from the Tree Lighting to Brophy College Prep's Fine Arts Extravaganza, the evening rounded out beautifully. It was a perfect celebration of community, creativity, and gratitude as we headed into Thanksgiving break.
Thank you for believing in their potential. Thank you for investing in their futures. Thank you for being the light that makes all the difference.
Update: The week following the Tree Lighting, Josue received the news he had been hoping for: acceptance to the University of Notre Dame with a full-ride scholarship. His dream of entering the legal field and helping others through his profession is now becoming a reality. This is a powerful testament to what BCF support makes possible.
* photos provided by Brophy College Prep, Brophy Community Foundation and Patty Kennedy (Patty's Flicks)