Below are quotes from Phoenix's outstanding youth about the teachers that impacted them most:

District 1

Ms. Caron Moore Sandra Day O'Connor High School	“[Mrs. Moore] has taught me to be confident in my abilities, both in and out of the classroom. She has always been very supportive of all my endeavors throughout the time I have known her…” Jonathan Porter Sandra Day O'Connor High School
Mrs. Martha Ashton St. Francis of Assisi	“My eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Ashton was one of those teachers you can never forget. Not only was she determined to advance the knowledge and ability of each student to new heights, but she was an example of inner strength as well as selflessness.” Katherine Weingartner Sandra Day O'Connor High School

District 2

Ms. Melissa Matthews Chandler High School	“[Ms. Matthew] helped me strive to be the best I could be, in the classroom, on the football field, and as a human being.” Jason Schartz Paradise Valley High School
Mrs. Marni Landry Paradise Valley High School	“Never before had I met a teacher who wanted her students to succeed as much as Mrs. Landry. The passion with which she teaches is inspiring and the faith she puts in her students is incredible.” Monica Espaillat-Lizardo Paradise Valley High School

District 3

Mr. Patrick Henry Thunderbird High School	“His help and encouragement have been instrumental in enabling me to excel in writing and reading and to appreciate the value of a good education. Indeed, my writing is a direct reflection of his teaching talent.” James Harris Thunderbird High School
Mrs. Jeanne Hall Greenway High School	“Ms. Hall helps us find the connections between the ideas in these books and the situations in our lives. I’m not just learning how to write a killer essay in her class; I’m learning the nature of human beings, the flaws of society, and how to rise above these things.” Kelsey Rader Greenway High School

District 4

Ms. Diane McCarthy Metro Tech Vocational Institute of Phoenix	“She is an amazing teacher who is always willing to help her students succeed.” Christian Solorio Metro Tech High School
Ms. Beverly Burns Phoenix College	“She is a remarkable woman that doesn’t give up. She has inspired me to do more because I always see her so involved. She gives back to her community and cares for others.” Veronica Chavez Metro Tech High School

District 5

Mr. Scott Williams Cortez High School	“I have met many teachers during my education, but Mr. Williams is different from all of them. He has become more than just a teacher. Mr. Williams has become a friend.” Kameron Kerns Cortez High School
Mr. Raymond Benedetto Carl E. Gilbert Elementary School	“I couldn’t have gotten as far as I have if it wasn’t for my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Benedetto….Mr. Benedetto pushed me until I started pushing myself, which is something I will never forget.” Adriana Delgado Trevor Browne High School

District 6

Ms. Stacy Graber Desert Vista High School	“I credit Mrs. Graber with first introducing me to the academic and intellectual world. She was very demanding, requiring that we be able to defend whatever argument we presented… She empowered us to think for ourselves and challenge the validity of ‘authority’ and ‘tradition.’” Kunal Mangal Desert Vista High School
Ms. Jeri Wade Desert Vista High School	“In the course of a year, [Ms. Wade] has helped me develop the necessary skills to survive in college and scoeity as a young woman. I’ve learned to be in control of my own success, to persevere event after frustrating results, to ask for help when needed, and to tap into my full potential.” Nicole Jiam Desert Vista High School

District 7

Mr. Daniel Dodge North High School	“He has guided me through my high school years, helped me when I have been in trouble, and always been there for support and someone to talk to. He has truly changed my life and been one of the greatest influences I have ever had.” Michael Dimler North High School
Mr. Fredi Lajvardi Carl Hayden Community High School	“More than a mentor and a teacher, he is a friend who has taught me that learning doesn’t only happen in school… By dedicating most of his time to school and students he demonstrates that he really cares and believes in what he does.” Mabel Munoz Carl Hayden Community High School

District 8

Ms. Tammy Tusek David Crockett School	“She inspired my commitment to community service by encouraging me to join the Wake Up Club which met every Friday to participate in youth leadership classes and every other weekend to volunteer in the community.” José Razo Gateway Early College High School
Mr. Todd Decker South Mountain High School	“Mr. Decker has been there when I need him the most and always encourages me to keep working hard to obtain my goals. He is a great mentor and an awesome teacher.” Deyzi Iztabalan South Mountain High School