SYMPOSIUM RECAP
Dates: June 3–5, 2025
Location: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Arizona
The 2025 ACE Symposium brought together educators, corrections officers, and professionals from across Arizona for three days of growth, collaboration, and support centered on Secure Care Education. Attendees participated in dynamic workshops, networked with peers, and explored innovative tools and ideas to enhance their professional practice.
🎤 Lip Sync Battle Recap: It’s a Small World – Celebrating Cultures 🌎✨
This June, our community came together for an unforgettable Lip Sync Battle under the theme “It’s a Small World – Celebrating Cultures.” From dazzling costumes and bold choreography to heartfelt performances that honored traditions around the globe, every team lit up the stage with creativity and energy.
The event reminded us that music is a universal language—and when paired with a little humor, a lot of teamwork, and plenty of cultural pride, it becomes a true celebration of unity.
🌟 Highlights from the Event
– 10 Teams brought their A-game, representing faculty, staff, and administration.
– Performances showcased a rich mix of global sounds—everything from classic anthems to vibrant international hits.
– Props and costumes added flair, helping teams embody the cultures behind their chosen songs.
– The audience joined in the fun, cheering, clapping, and even dancing along.
💬 Closing Reflection
“The strength and beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” This event reminded us that when we come together across cultures, we create not just great performances—but lasting memories of unity, joy, and connection.
💥 Thank you to all the participants, organizers, and supporters who made this year’s Lip Sync Battle a highlight of the summer! 💥
Pre-Symposium Training Highlights – June 3
Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Presenter: Jerry Balistreri
Topic: Reading Body Language: “The Tells”
Jerry Balistreri, a seasoned educator, administrator, and certified trainer, led an engaging session on non-verbal communication. Participants learned practical techniques to interpret body language in educational and correctional environments. With over 30 years of expertise in situational awareness and deception detection, Jerry offered hands-on learning experiences that left a lasting impression.
🔗 More on Jerry’s work
📧 balis@acsalaska.net
LinkedIn
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Presenters: Jamal Givens & Diana Jimenez-Young
Topic: Suicide Prevention – “Be The One”
This vital session empowered attendees with tools to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide. Focusing on five key signs and five actionable steps, the presenters guided professionals in becoming proactive supporters in their environments—whether working with students, peers, or community members.
Keynote Speaker
Michael De Leon – Founder, Steered Straight, Inc.
Michael De Leon delivered an inspiring keynote representing Steered Straight, a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating youth and families on the dangers of drugs, gang involvement, and violence. His message focused on real-life experiences and prevention strategies that empower communities and promote lasting change.
🔗 www.steeredstraight.org
Attendee Comments
“Jordan Chaney’s presentation at the ACE Conference was a breath of fresh air—raw, real, and deeply inspiring. His ability to speak truth with compassion and creativity resonated across every audience segment. For students, he offered hope and empowerment through his story and poetic voice. For educators, he provided a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder of the power of connection. And for our community, Jordan brought a fresh perspective that challenged us to think differently, act boldly, and lead with empathy. His message is not only timely—it’s necessary. We are honored to have had him speak and would welcome him back with open arms.”
Dr. Jacqueline (Jacqui) Clay, Ed.D.
Cochise County Superintendent of Schools
Cochise County Education Service Agency
Closing Note
The 2025 ACE Symposium was a powerful reminder of the importance of education and empathy within correctional environments. It celebrated the dedication of professionals working in Secure Care and reinforced the value of learning, connection, and purpose in shaping better outcomes for all.
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