Grand Canyon University's College of Education granted eight alumni a $2,500 scholarship in partnership with the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program.
The Arizona teachers will use the money to purchase items for their classrooms, such as books, furniture or instruments.
COE leadership congratulated some of the recipients on a Zoom call Wednesday.
“To see our GCU alum out in the field doing such great work is an honor. Two thousand five hundred dollars will go a long way for these teachers, and they will be able to make a huge impact on their students,” COE Dean Dr. Meredith Critchfield said. “Several of the teachers teared up when we granted their wishes, while others expressed their glee. What a gift to get to make a hard-working teacher's day!”
The recipients also will be celebrated at this year’s Fiesta Bowl.
Fiesta Bowl Charities' seventh annual program provided $2,500 awards to 400 Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers, for a total of $1 million in donations.
GCU alumni shared what the award will purchase:
Anahis Oros, The Odyssey for Advanced and International Studies, Buckeye. Years teaching: 6. Provide flexible seating options for students in design class.
Andrea Jenkins, Desert Wind Middle School, Maricopa. Years teaching: 7. Purchase costumes, set supplies and props needed for drama production of “Beauty and The Beast Jr.”
Anne Greer, Mountain View High School, Mesa. Years teaching: 26. Purchase new books for English class.
Barbara Firkus, Palo Verde Middle School, Phoenix. Years teaching: 7. Purchase new books for English Language Arts.
Brooke Warwick, C.I. Waggoner Elementary School, Tempe. Years teaching: 6. Purchase new supplies for art class.
Courtney Farmer, Round Valley Elementary School, Eagar. Years teaching: 4. Purchase tables for first grade classroom.
Dionna Dempsey, Page High School, Page. Years teaching: 8. Purchase new furniture and books for English classroom.
Heidi Franklin, Cactus High School, Glendale. Years teaching: 12. Provide new resources for flexible seating and desk options in special education classroom.
