The Apache Junction High School Athletic Department received a donation from the Gary Collins Memorial Fund, totaling $12,553 dollars at the September 8th, 2023 Governing Board Meeting.
Gary Collins joined the Apache Junction Unified School District in 1966, starting off as a teacher and coach before moving up the district ranks as an Administrator, and Assistant Superintendent. Collins coached baseball, basketball, football and golf and impacted the lives of thousands of AJUSD students during his 31 year career.
Collins passed away on June 28th, 2020 and in his honor, his family opted to find a way to give back to the community and school district that he spent 31 years working for. On August 19th, the Gary Collins Memorial Fund golf tournament teed off at the Apache Creek Golf Course, home of the AJHS Golf Program. The tournament event in Collins' name teed off with 144 players and featured dozens of others who contributed their time and efforts. After the scramble round on the course, participants gathered together for a luncheon featuring raffle prizes and an auction. Thanks to all that were involved, the Collins family ultimately raised $12,553 dollars for the AJHS Athletic Department.
At the Governing Board Meeting, Gary's daughter Aubrey and wife Joanne presented AJHS Athletic Director Jason Hutchens with the donation check for the Prospector Athletics programs.