3 Takeaways:

• Salt River Schools technology teacher Keri Tuchawena received $1,000 from the Fiesta Bowl Foundation as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s “Big Day for Teachers” celebration.
• The celebration was a surprise and brought tons of excitement for the young and old minds in attendance.
• The funds will be used to help purchase classroom equipment, supplies and more.

A surge of excitement whisked through the campus walls of Salt River Schools during the afternoon school day on Sept 15.

It was time for technology teacher Keri Tuchawena to be celebrated for all the hard work she does for her students.

Tuchawena was nominated by her colleagues and selected by the Fiesta Bowl Foundation to receive $1,000 as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s “Big Day for Teachers” celebration. Red Mountain High School teacher Lindsay Decoste was the second awardee.

A giant oversized check—like the one Publisher’s Clearing House used to present with Ed McMahon years ago—red and orange balloons, confetti as well as smiles and high-fives filled Tuchawena’s classroom as her students patiently waited for her to arrive.

As she made her way down the hallway and was about to enter her classroom, Salt River Elementary School Principal Don Schopp quickly entered. “Surprise!” said one eager student, which filled the room with laughter. “That was a practice one for Mrs. T,” said another student.

When it was time, Tuchawena opened her classroom’s door, expecting to begin an impromptu meeting with Salt River Schools Superintendent Cheryl Houston. Instead, Tuchawena was greeted with confetti, hugs and high-fives from her students and guests as she was handed her $1,000 check and additional prizes as part of her selection.

Overwhelmed with appreciation and happiness, Tuchawena thanked her students, their families, the Fiesta Bowl Foundation as well as SRPMIC. Then, like a true dedicated teacher, she began setting up the remainder of the afternoon’s assignments and projects for her students.

The funds will go toward Tuchawena’s classroom to help purchase additional supplies, equipment and resources to ensure the quality of education she provides to her students remains at a high level.