Queen Creek council recognizes ‘Star’ students, teachers

The Queen Creek Town Council has been honoring Star Students and Star Teachers during its meetings this spring.

"The recognitions celebrate local students and educators who demonstrate integrity, kindness and respect while making a positive impact in Queen Creek schools and the community," according to a town press release.

The Star Student Program honors students who demonstrate good citizenship through helpfulness, responsibility, acceptance and consideration for others. Each school throughout Queen Creek was invited to nominate one student for recognition during the 2025-26 school year.

The following 14 students have been recognized as Star Students:

• Scarlett Sparks, Benjamin Franklin Charter School – Crimson Campus
• Laith Aldaiel, Benjamin Franklin Charter School – Power Campus
• Alex Josanu, Casteel High School
• Clara Emenecker, Cortina Elementary School
• Masen Chrzanowski, Crismon High School
• Chloe Kleinebreil, Desert Mountain Elementary School
• Logan Perez, Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School
• Peyton Widmer, Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary School
• Kenley Rodriguez, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School
• Prahlad Iyer, Queen Creek High School
• Emma Poulson, Queen Creek Virtual Academy – Elementary School
• Ava Orozco, Queen Creek Virtual Academy – Middle School
• Madisen Hemming, Queen Creek Virtual Academy – High School
• Jett Rowan, Schnepf Elementary School

The town also recognized 10 teachers through the Star Teacher Program, which honors educators who exemplify integrity, fairness, compassion and dedication while creating supportive learning environments for students.

Each school in Queen Creek was invited to nominate one teacher for recognition during the 2025-26 school year. The following teachers were honored as Star Teachers:

• Angelia Beal, Benjamin Franklin Charter School – Crismon Campus
• Natalie Castaneda, Benjamin Franklin Charter School – Power Campus
• Nicole Flores, Cortina Elementary School
• Kelly Bowen, Crismon High School
• Paul Buday, Desert Mountain Elementary School
• Corey Rislund, Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary School
• Tara Johnston, Jack Barnes Elementary School
• Itzel Moreno, Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School
• Lael Rogers, Queen Creek Virtual Academy
• Shelley Poropat, Schnepf Elementary School

“The town thanks local schools for participating in the program and helping recognize students and educators who positively impact the community each day,” the release continued.

Each star student received a gift card to a local ice cream shop, thanks to donations from Bahama Bucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

Star teachers received a gift card to a local coffee shop, thanks to donations from Switch Brews and Sidewalk Coffee and Bagel Co.

Each year schools located within Queen Creek are invited to nominate one student and one teacher for recognition. Nominations for the 2026-27 school year will open early next year.