Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Tempe Diablos Charities awarded $31,500 to educators during the 37th annual Excellence in Education Awards and provided $240,000 in scholarships to 30 high school seniors.
The nonprofit recognized educators and school staff across three districts for their work with students, according to a press release.
Teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers from the Kyrene School District, Tempe Union High School District and Tempe Elementary School District were recognized across seven award categories, including Teacher of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star.
“Our passion for the Excellence in Education Awards is rooted in a deep appreciation for the educators, administrators, and staff who make a lasting impact on our community,” Brad Cox, chairman of Excellence in Education for the Tempe Diablos, said. “Their dedication, leadership and commitment to growth help shape not only individual futures, but the strength and success of the Tempe community as a whole.”
A total of 21 educators and staff members received top honors, including the following:
Teacher of the Year
Suzi Juetten, Kyrene School District — Mirada Leadership Academy
Mick Wojciechowicz, Tempe Union High School District — Marcos de Niza High School
Haley TenHope, Tempe Elementary School District — John J. Curry Elementary School
Lifetime Achievement
Mary Jane Rincon, Kyrene School District — District Office
Natasha Alston, Tempe Union High School District — Mountain Pointe High School
Carolyn Zimmerman, Tempe Elementary School District — Rover Elementary School
Leadership
Ashley Lemieux, Kyrene School District — Principal, Pueblo Middle School
Jack Vermeer, Tempe Union High School District — Mountain Pointe High School
Christina Culbertson, Tempe Elementary School District — District Counselor Coordinator
High Impact
Liz Morris, Kyrene School District — Mirada Leadership Academy
Heather Hunt-Castañon, Tempe Union High School District — Marcos de Niza High School
Kaitlynn Dyal, Tempe Elementary School District — Scales Technology Academy
Inspiration
Finn McLaron, Kyrene School District — Manitas Elementary School
Nicole Olmstead, Tempe Union High School District — Volunteer, McClintock High School
Maggie Lawrence, Tempe Elementary School District — Getz Preschool
Rising Star
Jacqueline Rios Ramirez, Kyrene School District — Brisas Elementary School
Ricky Livoni, Tempe Union High School District — Tempe High School
Jillian McCormick, Tempe Elementary School District — Scales Technology Academy
Class Act
Linh Sullivan, Kyrene School District — Secretary, Mirada Leadership Academy
Manny Torres Osnaya, Tempe Union High School District — Security Officer and varsity soccer coach, Tempe High School
Pamela Latham, Tempe Elementary School District — Instructional Assistant, John J. Curry Elementary School
In addition to the educator awards, Tempe Diablos Charities recognized students beginning their studies at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges, awarding $240,000 in scholarships.
