KTAR News donated $30,000 to support metro Phoenix teachers throughout 2025

PHOENIX — At KTAR News 92.3 FM, giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do. Beyond annual initiatives like the Phoenix Children’s Give-A-Thon and Outspoken for Families in Need, we’re proud to honor teachers who serve as pillars for communities across the Valley.

Through our Pay Tribute to a Teacher program — sponsored by Your Valley Toyota Dealers — we recognize educators who go above and beyond for their students.

Each month, Larry Gaydos and Bruce St. James award $2,500 to one outstanding teacher, chosen from nominations submitted by listeners and readers like you. Scroll down to meet the inspiring educators making a difference across metro Phoenix.

January: Micaela Cheatham, Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria

Micaela Cheatham, who is both a teacher and a DECA advisor, won the first Pay Tribute to a Teacher award of the year for her dedication to helping students develop business and leadership skills.

She planned to use the $2,500 prize to create a scholarship fund that ensures students can attend the annual DECA conference, even if they cannot afford travel costs.

Peoria teacher Micaela Cheatham won @TheBruceStJames & @GaydosKTAR‘s Pay Tribute to a Teacher.

Do you know a teacher worthy of $2,500? You can nominate a teacher today by texting TEACHER to 620620.

Pay Tribute to a Teacher is presented by your Valley Toyota Dealers. pic.twitter.com/p9P1n8J0ai

— Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on KTAR News 92.3 (@OutspokenKTAR) February 1, 2025

Despite losing her husband to cancer in late 2023, Cheatham has shown remarkable resilience, continuing to support and inspire her students with strength and compassion.

February: Angel Carrasquillo, Skyline Gila River School in Chandler

Carrasquillo, a STEM teacher, was honored for expanding opportunities for Native American students who often face limited access to resources.

He leads dual‑enrollment courses like CIS 105 and introduces students to robotics, helping them gain college credit and hands‑on STEM experience.

His passion for representation in STEM culminated in taking 10 students to the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge, a groundbreaking achievement for his school.

Skyline Gila River teacher Mr. AC won @TheBruceStJames & @GaydosKTAR Pay Tribute to a Teacher!

Do you know a teacher worthy of $2,500? You can nominate someone today by texting TEACHER to 620620.

Pay Tribute to a Teacher is presented by your Valley Toyota Dealers. pic.twitter.com/loMcqfcIi6

— Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on KTAR News 92.3 (@OutspokenKTAR) February 13, 2025

March: Nerwin Balilu, Desert Wind Middle School in Maricopa

Nerwin Balilu, affectionately known as Mr. B, was recognized for his dedication to supporting students with learning disabilities, a mission inspired by his own childhood challenges.

He emphasizes gratitude and resilience, teaching his students to value the special education resources available in the U.S. and to use them to build brighter futures.

With the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award, he planned to purchase classroom essentials such as swivel chairs, headphones and a standing desk to better serve students, including those with ADHD.

April: Donn Duplain, Verrado High School in Buckeye

Donn Duplain was recognized for creating and leading the STRIDE program, which helps students with autism gain confidence, inclusion in classes and pathways to future employment.

Inspired by his wife and his own transition from football coach to special educator, he has spent 15 years ensuring his students don’t just graduate but thrive in the community.

His impact is deeply felt by families, including one parent who nominated him for the award and praised him for transforming her daughter’s confidence and love of school.

May: Marina Martinez, Joseph Zito Elementary School in Phoenix

Marina Martinez was recognized for her unwavering dedication to her kindergarten students, continuing to organize field trips and graduations even during a district financial crisis that delayed teacher paychecks.

She planned to use the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award to purchase hands‑on learning tools, like puzzles and blocks, to better support her classroom.

Martinez is especially committed to helping children who speak English as a second language, ensuring they are prepared to read, write and succeed in first grade.

June: Kelly Melrose, Camelback High School in Phoenix

Kelly Melrose teaches geometry at Camelback High School and has nearly three decades of experience in the classroom. In addition to math, she coaches about 50 softball players each year, drawing on her own background as a two‑time state champion and national champion player.

A co‑teacher nominated her for the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award, recognizing both her teaching and coaching. Melrose says she and her colleague use geometry not only to teach academics but also to share life lessons with their students.

July: Janina Perez, Laveen Elementary School in Phoenix

Janina Perez teaches kindergarten at Laveen Elementary School and has spent 12 years helping children build a love of learning. A parent nominated her for the award, praising the way she encourages students and makes them excited to come to class.

Perez said she enjoys guiding children through their first school experiences and watching their confidence grow as they master the basics.

She said she planned to use the $2,500 award to help her sister’s family return to the U.S. after a three‑year military deployment in Korea.

August: Kelly Nelson, Kyrene Aprende Middle School in Chandler

Kelly Nelson has worked in special education for 23 years and now teaches sixth and seventh grade at Kyrene Aprende Middle School in Chandler. She primarily serves students with autism and intellectual disabilities, tailoring lessons to meet each child’s individual needs.

A former principal, Nelson returned to the classroom four years ago, saying it was her true calling. She values the one‑on‑one instruction her role allows and still hears from former students and families decades later.

Nelson said she planned to use the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award for her annual Christmas giving tradition, helping multiple students and families at her school who could use extra support during the holidays.

September: Mark Campbell, Tempe Union High School District

Mark Campbell, originally from Jamaica, teaches business management, business technology and algebra at Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista high schools.

As part of the career and technical education department, he prepares students with certifications for college or the workforce. He sponsors Future Business Leaders of America, guiding projects like Market Day, and was recognized by the Tempe Coalition for his advocacy.

Campbell said he planned to use the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award to support students in FBLA programs and prepare for the arrival of his daughter, while continuing to serve as a fair and honest role model.

October: William Riedel, Palo Verde Middle School in Phoenix

William Riedel, a social studies teacher at Palo Verde Middle School, left teaching in 2008 before returning in 2021 to help address the teacher shortage. He said he was driven by a sense of responsibility to give back through education.

Palo Verde M.S. teacher William Riedel won @TheBruceStJames & @GaydosKTAR‘s Pay Tribute to a Teacher!

Do you know a teacher worthy of $2,500? You can nominate a teacher today by texting TEACHER to 620620.

Pay Tribute to a Teacher is presented by your Valley Toyota Dealers. pic.twitter.com/tnCLt46ars

— Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on KTAR News 92.3 (@OutspokenKTAR) October 15, 2025

Riedel focuses on building trust and relationships with his students, adapting to new challenges like cell phones and shifting classroom culture. He makes history relevant by connecting past events to present‑day issues, using them as lessons in conflict resolution and resilience.

Although he joked about using the $2,500 prize for a vacation, Riedel has already spent thousands of his own money on supplies and expects to invest much of the award back into his classroom.

November: Alice Johnson, Gilbert Arts Academy in Gilbert

Alice Johnson won due to her dedication to understanding each child’s learning style and helping them flourish. Her nominator praised her for never leaving any child out, sharing how she transformed a shy granddaughter into a joyful, confident student.

Johnson says those “little moments when something clicks for the first time” are what make teaching so rewarding, and she strives to build confidence in every student.

With the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher award, Johnson planned to expand her classroom library and involve her students in giving back to the community. She hopes to show them that “We all have the power to care for each other.”

December: Cahril Nengasca, Paloma Elementary School District in Gila Bend

Cahril Nengasca was nominated for inspiring confidence and kindness in her students while leading humanitarian efforts for her home country, the Philippines.

She planned to use part of the $2,500 award to support families recovering from recent flooding and a typhoon, continuing the relief work she began after an earthquake struck the province of Cebu.

Want to nominate somebody for the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award? Submissions are accepted here.

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