Today, the Arizona Charter Schools Association announced the winners of our 2015 Charter Awards, which annually recognizes the top charter teacher, leader, business manager, school and Lifetime Achievement Award winner in Arizona’s charter movement.
Last week, we had a video shoot on the campus of each award winner. We were inspired by their success stories and their dedication to students.
Get a behind the scenes look at our 2015 Charter Award winners.
Greg and Pam Miller, Lifetime Achievement Award
“They’ve always been there for me. They literally could’ve been my parents,” said Sabrina Calderon, whose six children and five grandchildren attend Challenge Charter School. When Sabrina’s mother died, Greg and Pam Miller were among the main people who offered her their support, especially Pam. “She offered support like a mother would.”
Mission Montessori Academy, 2015 Charter School of the Year
“Global education teaches children that they have a voice and they’re part of humanity. Mission Montessori is like humanity; children evolve here,” said Patricia Sandler, director of Global Studies for Mission Montessori. “We’re watching an evolution so we want to make sure we get it right.”
Arlahee Ruiz, 2015 Charter Transformational Leader of the Year
“When you work at a school, you have to put in the heart,” said Ruiz, who is the school leader at NFL YET College Prep Academy in South Phoenix. “Always treat the person with dignity. Always treat people with respect. They will influence yourself.”
Melissa Holdaway, 2015 Charter Business Leader of the Year
“What makes Melissa unique is her approach to integrating community into her organization. She has developed an impressive Governing and Advisory Board from community members,” said Arizona Charter Academy Board Member Melissa Montenegro in her nomination letter. “She is an influential leader in her community and raised several thousand dollars and provided countless opportunity for the students and staff.”
Katelyn Toci, 2015 Charter Teacher of the Year
“She’s giving them skills they need to be successful in the world today,” said Lindsey Popa, Imagine Camelback curriculum and data coach.”Not just academic skills, but character skills, self-monitoring skills; it will help them be successful in future grades and in life.”
Click here to read more about our 2015 Charter Award winners.
