Warren Parkes was the first President of the Board of Directors of Volanté Academy of the Arts in 2003, and he eagerly invested his talents to help initiate this non-profit program for children and youth in Yavapai County.

Warren lost his life in a plane crash on October 18th, 2006 and is sorely missed by his family and friends. He designed the Volanté Academy logo, which is still used today and considered very special.

The memorial fund for Warren is being used primarily for scholarships for children, youth & toddlers, and also for instruments and equipment which is needed for the academy. Gifts are tax deductible.

All donors' names will be listed on this web site and also will be displayed on a large plaque, honoring Warren's life and love for children and the community. Please designate that your gift is for the "Warren Parkes Memorial," and print your name or the name of your business the way you would like to have it listed.

Donations may be mailed to the academy at:

Volanté Academy of the Arts
P.O. Box 25518
Prescott Valley, AZ 86312-5518

For further information, please call the academy at 928 772-1218.

The following is a reprint from an article in the Prescott Valley Tribune, October 17th, 2007, by reporter, Sue Tone:

One year ago tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the death of local pilot, Warren Parkes. An arts academy is establishing a memorial scholarship in Parkes' name to honor the man whom both adults and children respected and liked.

Parkes was the first President of the Board of Directors for Volante Academy of the arts in 2003, said Jan Luke executive director of the academy. He also designed Volante's logo that the academy continues to use today.

So she is offering a memorial scholarship fund that will help pay students' tuition and class fees and also purchase musical instruments and equipment, Luke said.

"All this past year, I was thinking I just wish I could do something in memory of Warren," said Luke.

So she is offering a memorial scholarship that will help pay students' tuition and class fees and also purchase musical instruments and equipment," Luke said.

"We try not to turn away kids whose parents can't afford the lessons. We need another piano or keyboard so we cant teach two lessons at the same time," Luke said, adding that the academy's microphones and sound system are old and not of good quality.

Parkes died in an airplane accident on Oct. 18, 2006, that also claimed the lives of four others.

"I am thrilled to hear about this program," said Warren's wife, Betsy Parkes. "He did love children and felt very strongly about introducing young people to creative expression."

Luke said Warren's father, Tom, agrees that the scholarship is a good idea because of his son's love for children.

"I really can't pinpoint a specific time when Warren developed his love for kids," Tom Parkes said. "Even as a teenager, when he was asked to babysit kids not much younger than himself, he planned fun activities to keep everyone involved."

Those interested in learning more or to contribute to the memorial scholarship may call Jan Luke at 772-1218.