Agua Fria High School celebrated the opening of its newly constructed cafeteria with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together students, staff, District leadership, and community partners to mark a significant milestone for the campus.
The event was attended by Avondale Mayor Mike Pineda, an alumnus of Agua Fria High School, who returned to campus to help commemorate the opening and speak about the importance of investing in spaces that support students and strengthen school communities.
“As a proud Agua Fria graduate, it means a great deal to be back on this campus and see the continued investment in students,” said Mayor Pineda. “This new cafeteria is more than a place to eat, it’s a space designed to bring students together and build community, and I’m honored to be part of this celebration.”
The new cafeteria boasts a modern design, featuring expanded serving areas, improved kitchen functionality, and enhanced seating to better accommodate students throughout the school day. The space was intentionally designed to support both daily meals and a variety of campus events. Additionally, the capacity increased from being able to accommodate 270 people to 435 people in a true community space.
“In addition to serving our students each day, this new cafeteria allows us to host professional development sessions, banquets, and special events right here on campus, making it much more than a place to eat, but a beautiful new gathering space for our entire school family,” said Autumn Daniels, principal of Agua Fria High School. She also extended her sincere thanks to Chasse Building Team and DLR Group for their collaboration and commitment in delivering a space that will serve students for years to come.
“To our students: this cafeteria is for you. I hope it becomes a place where you feel comfortable, supported, and proud to be an Owl, and provides you a sense of belonging, whether you’re grabbing breakfast before class, laughing with friends at lunch, or attending a school event,” added Principal Daniels.
The ceremony concluded with a tour of the new facility, as students entered the cafeteria for the first time and attendees joined them for lunch, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the campus.
“This project is a powerful example of our voter-approved bonds working exactly as intended, investing directly in the spaces where students learn, grow, and connect,” said Governing Board Member Sarah Silk. “It reflects our community’s commitment to the next generation and brings that promise to life in a meaningful way.”
The new cafeteria stands as a lasting investment in student experience and campus pride, reflecting a shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces where Owls can connect, thrive, and build memories for years to come.