Queen Creek teachers awarded grants from Fiesta Sports Foundation

A foundation has granted the wishes of 540 educators in Arizona this year, including 14 teachers at Queen Creek schools.

In its 10^th year, the Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers recently awarded $2,500 grants that went to educators at 404 different schools, covering 142 school districts and 31 new cities for a total of $1.5 million.

“Behind every unique classroom wish is an Arizona teacher with a vision to create a more meaningful learning experience for their students. Helping honor, support and celebrate our Arizona educators in every corner of the state has been the core of Wishes for Teachers for 10 years,” Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses stated in a press release. “It takes a collective effort to provide resources that these teachers wouldn't otherwise have.”

The Queen Creek teachers and their classroom wishes are:

• Kelly Anderson, a third through eighth-grade gifted education teacher at EDUPRIZE Schools-San Tan Valley Campus , will integrate new technology such as a MacBook, 3D printer and robotics materials to foster creativity.
• Stacy Benton, first-grade general education teacher at EDUPRIZE Schools-San Tan Valley Campus, will add a digital whiteboard to make lessons more interactive and engaging.
• Hollie Bush, a sixth-grade math and science teacher at EDUPRIZE Schools-San Tan Valley Campus, will upgrade the sound system for school theater productions to improve performance quality.
• Victor Castruita, a seventh through eighth-grade Spanish and English language learner teacher at J.O. Combs Middle School, will provide flexible seating and classroom supplies that support bilingual learning and student comfort.
• Kristen Culley, a ninth through 12^th-grade digital photography, journalism and film teacher at Queen Creek High School, will upgrade photography and journalism programs with a professional-grade camera and lens.
• Christy Cunico, a seventh through eighth-grade counseling teacher at Casteel Junior High School, will design a mindfulness room with soft seating, lighting, art, books and sensory tools for emotional regulation.
• Angie Fort, a fifth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at EDUPRIZE Schools-San Tan Valley Campus, will replace outdated furniture with flexible seating that encourages movement and collaboration.
• Lila Guzman, a seventh through eighth-grade family and consumer science teacher at J.O. Combs Middle School, will purchase kitchen ranges, surge protectors and stove parts for culinary and sewing classes.
• Brittani Hinson, a K through sixth-grade special education teacher at Auxier Elementary School, will furnish a new special-education classroom with flexible seating, a sensory area and task boxes.
• Christina Madril, a K through sixth-grade visual arts teacher at Cortina Elementary School, will expand art education resources and materials for students across all grade levels.
• Kelly McGregor, a kindergarten general education teacher at Benjamin Franklin Charter School-Power Campus, will provide manipulatives such as puzzles and math games that promote collaboration and creative play.
• Mackenzie Mills, a K through sixth-grade music teacher at American Leadership Academy-San Tan Valley, will expand the music program with new instruments and hands-on materials for all grade levels.
• Andre Mossman, a seventh through 12^th-grade art teacher at American Leadership Academy-Ironwood, will launch an animation program with light tables and cameras to connect students with industry professionals.
• Kristina Tandler, a K through sixth-grade social emotional learning teacher at Ranch Elementary School, will add sensory tools, flexible seating and snacks to support student comfort, focus and engagement.

With the support of Palo Verde, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has donated more than $9.7 million to Arizona classrooms over the last decade through the program, benefiting more than 3,100 teachers and more than 1 million students, the release continued.

“We’re grateful for the dedication and creativity Arizona teachers bring to their classrooms every day. These grants aim to remove barriers, provide resources students need to thrive and help educators turn their visions into reality,” stated Jennifer Spina, vice president of the Palo Verde Generating Station, in the release.

The teachers are informed about their awards during the Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers Draft Day, which took place earlier this month. On draft day, celebrities, community partners and volunteers make surprise phone calls and notifications to the recipients, who are selected in a random drawing.

In addition to the $2,500 classroom grants, recipients are invited to attend the 2025 Rate Bowl on Dec. 26, where they will be honored on the field in a halftime presentation. They will also be invited to march in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade on Jan. 3.