Fiesta Sports Grants Boost Classroom Resources Across Yuma County Schools
Five Yuma Union High School District staff members received $2,500 Wishes for Teachers classroom grants from the Fiesta Sports Foundation, a local infusion of support for instruction and student services. The awards total $12,500 for Yuma County schools and are part of a statewide program that granted $1.35 million to 540 teachers in 2025, an investment that will directly affect students and families in the district.
On December 2, 2025 the Yuma Union High School District announced that five district staff members at three high schools received $2,500 Wishes for Teachers classroom grants funded by the Fiesta Sports Foundation. The recipients were Ermila Vera and Kelly Dale at Cibola High School, Zayda Duenas and Martha Remenar at Kofa High School, and Cesar Castillo at San Luis High School. Each grant is earmarked for concrete classroom and support services, totaling $12,500 directed to local schools.
The release outlined how the funds will be used. Ermila Vera intends to purchase materials for hands on science activities. Kelly Dale plans to reorganize Cibola High School’s Caring Closet into a storefront style space with shelving to improve access and dignity for students in need. Martha Remenar will stock Kofa High School’s Care Closet with hygiene items, school supplies and snacks. Zayda Duenas will purchase a Smart Board for classroom instruction. Cesar Castillo will furnish San Luis High School’s career center with flexible tables and chairs to better support career and technical programming.
The Fiesta Sports Foundation program awarded 540 teachers across Arizona in 2025. At $2,500 per recipient that amounts to $1.35 million statewide, a sizeable one time boost for classroom tools and student supports. The district release summarized the foundation’s grant process and the goals of the Wishes for Teachers program.
For Yuma County families and educators the grants translate into immediate improvements in classrooms and student services. Investments in classroom technology and science materials can enhance lesson delivery and engagement, while upgraded Care Closet and career center furnishings address basic needs and support pathways to post secondary work and training. The local $12,500 allocation complements regular school budgets and reduces the need for staff to cover costs out of pocket.
As districts nationwide contend with tight operating budgets and rising costs, targeted grants like these provide short term relief and measurable benefits. In Yuma County the grants will be visible in classrooms, student support spaces and career pathways during the coming school year.
