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Giving Back

Local educators receive more than $30K from Tempe Diablos

Posted 6/5/23

The Tempe Diablos recognized outstanding educators serving the Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler communities on May 9 during the 34th annual Excellence in Education Awards.

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Giving Back

Local educators receive more than $30K from Tempe Diablos

Posted

The Tempe Diablos recognized outstanding educators serving the Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler communities on May 9 during the 34th annual Excellence in Education Awards.

Teachers, leaders and administrators from three Tempe school districts were honored across seven categories along with monetary contributions that totaled more than $30,000, a press release explained.                              

“These outstanding educators help shape our future through the students they impact, and we are honored to celebrate their important work during Teacher Appreciation Week,” said Rob Personale, event chair. 

The 21 educators who received recognition and awards were:

Teacher of the Year
  • Ellen Miller, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Jason Rethman, Kyrene School District
  • Max Pincus, Tempe Union High School District

Lifetime Achievement

  • Cindy Denton, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Marianne Lescher, Kyrene School District
  • Erin Kahn, Tempe Union High School District

Leadership

  • Trish Geraghty, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Kinora Hernandez, Kyrene School District
  • Mayra Arroyo, Tempe Union High School District

High Impact

  • Cher Bingham Cooper, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Taylor Murphy, Kyrene School District
  • Charlie Molina, Tempe Union High School District

Inspiration

  • Danielle Sullivan, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Eva Pechous, Kyrene School District
  • Katie Chance, Tempe Union High School District

Rising Star     

  • Courtney Clarke, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Tasia Geotas, Kyrene School District
  • Elizabeth Matuszewski, Tempe Union High School District 

Class Act

  • Carlos Cruz, Tempe Elementary School District
  • Gisela Briscoe, Kyrene School District
  • Kenya Villela, Tempe Union High School District

Additionally, the Diablos awarded approximately $240,000 for 30 scholarships to seniors that will be attending either Arizona State University or Maricopa County Community College.

Noteworthy presenters included Arizona Coyotes President Xavier Gutierrez who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Washington Covena from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona who presented the Teacher of the Year award.