Success Stories 2026 - 2027
The Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation sponsored and donated to the following:
Grants the Foundation Awarded in 2026-2027
The Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation awarded $35,000 to 12 TUHSD teachers and staff to promote effective and innovative teaching and challenge teachers to improve student performance.
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Raven LaMorgese, a Special Education teacher at Marcos de Niza, received funding for curricular materials.
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Mercedes Murrieta, Orchestra and Mariachi Director from Marcos de Niza, received a grant for the “Strolling Strings” program for the Mariachi performers.
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John Lebsock, Photography Teacher at Tempe High School is implementing an enhanced visual learning system for the photography classes.
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Amanda Johnson, Teacher and librarian at McClintock HS. Amanda received funding to expand on the Library Makerspace.
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Sarah Silverman, Special Education Teacher at McClintock, received funding to purchase two standard step-through cruiser bicycles and accessories.
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Stephanie Poppert, library Media Specialist at Tempe HS received a grant to establish a student-centered makerspace in the THS Library.
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Sharon Weiss, Social Worker at Marcos de Niza HS will be purchasing reference books for teachers as well as a wide variety of fidget toys to help students cope with emotions.
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Anthony Figueroi, Transition School to Work Teacher at Marcos de Niza, received a grant to purchase a curricular package called “Find Your Fit” which will help students with intellectual disabilities discover their strengths and interests.
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Chris Rooney, Economics Teacher and Personal Finance and Economics Program Sponsor at Tempe HS, has been awarded funding to support Tempe High School’s Annual Economic Fair – an event that brings together many THS students and community partners.
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Nick Bonds, Mt. Pointe HS Engineering and Automation and Robotics Teacher, has been awarded funding to establish a portable soldering station space that will allow students to develop the skill of soldering used in all electronics.
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Kris Rademacher-Gorovitz, Chemistry Teacher from Desert Vista HS was awarded a grant to purchase precision analytical balances for the Chemistry classes of all levels to teach students to incorporate technology to make precise and accurate measurements
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Amy Smith, McClintock and Desert Vista Orchestra Teacher received a grant to support the Tetra String Quartet Program, which will benefit students from four of our Tempe District high schools who will receive personalized instruction and collaborative music-making through the Tetras Program.
2026-27 Grant Recipients Recognized
Grant recipients being recognized at the September 16, 2026 TUHSD Governing Board Meeting.
Tempe Union High School District Opening Day Rally
The Education Foundation funded refreshments for faculty and staff at the District's Back-to-School Rally held at Mt. Pointe HS on July 20, 2026. The Foundation handed out notepads, candy, awarded two gift baskets, and promoted Educator and Innovative Grant applications.
CAREER READY - Partnership with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and the City of Tempe
Nineteen local students spent their summer break gaining work experience and building professional skills, thanks to the Career Ready Tempe Program, which matches students with Tempe businesses for a six-week paid summer internship.
This year 19 businesses participated as internship host sites. Now in its seventh year, Career Ready Tempe helps prepare and develop Tempe youth to participate in the future workforce through an internship and soft skills training provided at no cost by ASU EDGE Modules. Students are matched with College Connect Tempe advisors, who can provide guidance on career and education goals. Interns work up to 120 hours during the summer.
Career Ready is a collaboration among the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, City of Tempe's Community Health and Human Services and Economic Development , in partnership with the Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation (TUHSEF).
Ahwatukee Donation Appreciation Happy Hour
June 4, 20206, the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club donated $1,000 to the Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation in support of our educational programs. A Happy Hour was hosted by the Kiwanis Club Members to present the check and to meet them. The Foundation is appreciative!
Supporting Students Through the Threadz Program
The Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation contributed $1,500 in June, 2026 toward hygiene items to The TUHSD Threadz Program. The Threadz Program provides free clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, and school supplies to Middle and High School students enrolled in the Tempe Union HS District, Kyrene School District, and Tempe Elementary School District. Students can visit three locations - Tempe HS, Marcos de Niza HS, and Mountain Pointe HS.
TUHSEF FAFSA Scholarships
The Tempe Union HS District FAFSA resources provide seniors and their families with guidelines and local support needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
To encourage students to complete their FAFSA applications, Tempe Union High Schools Education Foundation offers a $1,000 scholarship per district high school, awarded via a random drawing in late Spring for seniors who submit their FAFSA. Scholarships have been awarded to students at Desert Vista, Corona del Sol, Marcos de Niza, McClintock, Mt. Pointe, and Tempe High Schools for the last three years.
