It takes a collective effort to provide resources that these teachers wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Erik Moses | Fiesta Sports Foundation executive director and CEO

Three teachers in Surprise were among 540 in the state to earn $2,500 grants through the Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers initiative.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation has donated the largest single distribution in program history, with $1.5 million in classroom wishes.

Local teachers and their classroom were as follows:

• Stacia Gunderson, a high school visual arts teacher at Imagine Prep-Surprise, wishes to expand digital technology for photography and yearbook students with cameras and lighting.

• Amanda Johns, a special education teacher at Valley Vista High School, wishes to add STEAM learning sets that encourage collaboration and critical thinking.

• Mikayla McIntosh, a K-through-eighth grade music and choir teacher at Marley Park Elementary School, wishes to replace broken instruments and build full classroom sets including guitars, drums and shakers.

This year’s $2,500 classroom wishes went to 404 different schools, covering 142 school districts and 31 new cities.

“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,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. “It takes a collective effort to provide resources that these teachers wouldn’t otherwise have. Fiesta Sports Foundation is taking the lead and inviting others to come alongside us to support this important mission to provide teachers with resources that unlock potential and create transformative learning experiences.”

Fiesta Sports Foundation’s record investment comes at a critical time for Arizona’s education system. A recent Arizona Department of Education survey shows that more than 1,000 Arizona teachers have resigned since July, contributing to the more than 4,200 teaching vacancies statewide. Wishes for Teachers helps provide critical support and recognition to educators across Arizona, who regularly use their own money to provide enriching learning experiences for their students.

With the support of Palo Verde, Fiesta Sports Foundation has donated more than $9.7 million to Arizona classrooms over the 10 years of the Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers program, benefiting over 3,100 teachers and more than one million students.

“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,” said Jennifer Spina, vice president of the Palo Verde Generating Station. “This partnership reflects Palo Verde’s commitment to education and powering innovation and is a meaningful way to show our appreciation for the impact teachers make.”

In addition to granting 540 teachers’ wishes, Fiesta Sports Foundation this year provided three $50,000 wishes for schools, contributing to the 2025 Wishes for Teachers program’s record $1.5 million giving.

• STEM lab renovation for Arizona Desert Elementary School (Tolleson), sponsored by Amazon

• School library renovation at Washington Elementary School (Phoenix), sponsored by the College Football Playoff Foundation

• Multipurpose Room and Science Lab renovation for Challenger Middle School (Tucson)

“At SRP we recognize that teachers are essential in shaping the future of our state,” said Anita Taranago, manager of community engagement strategy at SRP. “Wishes for Teachers has been instrumental in supporting Arizona educators, and SRP proudly supports programs that create a better future for teachers, students and our community.”

Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP included celebrities, community partners and volunteers making 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 Rate Bowl in December where they are honored on the field in a halftime presentation and to march in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade.