Highlights of the 2024–2025 School Year

Queen Creek Unified School District has completed another successful school year thanks to students who excel, teachers and staff who shine, and amazing community support! Let's look back at the highlights and accomplishments from this past year as we say goodbye to the 2024–2025 school year.

Photo collage of QCUSD highlights for 2024-2026

Desert Mountain Elementary School

  • Press Start, a children’s musical, was a huge success thanks to the hard work of students, Mrs. Moulton, and her support team: Mrs. Guilmette, Miss Del Plain, and Mrs. Williams.
  • Dr. Berry visited for Read Across America Week.
  • Fifth grader Jake Vlahos won the district spelling bee.

Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary

  • Mrs. Leyva became a National Board Certified Teacher.
  • The color run reached its fundraising goal, raising over $75,000. As a reward, Principal Towns and Mr. Chiang were slimed by students.

Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary

  • Pickett students earned first place in the district kickball tournament.
  • The Town of Queen Creek recognized fifth grader Avaerly Martinez as FBPE’s Star Student.
  • The Town of Queen Creek recognized fourth-grade teacher Don Taylor as FBPE’s Star Teacher.

Gateway Polytechnic Academy

  • GPA received an “A” rating.
  • Kelli Gordon was a finalist for the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year award.

Jack Barnes Elementary

  • In partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, JBE hosted a sports experience featuring placekicker Chad Ryland, two cheerleaders, mascot Big Red, and parent volunteers.
  • Sixth grader and violinist Keelyn Ransbury represented JBE and QCUSD at the AMEA elementary all-state orchestra.
  • A new initiative, Pride Patrol, invites JBE dads to interact with students in the hallways or on the playground before school on the first Friday of every month.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary

  • Sixth grader Nico Bishop was a finalist for the School Connect Champions of Education award.
  • Tiffany Chamberlain and Shanon Lines received a $5,000 SRP grant for the SMART Lab to purchase Ozobots and accessories.

Queen Creek Elementary

  • A new mural was painted in the cafeteria.
  • QCE received an “A” rating and was listed among the top 50 schools in Arizona.
  • Kindergarten teacher Angi Cummins received a Fiesta Bowl grant.

Schnepf Elementary

  • The Queen Creek Chamber honored Jill Moffat as Schnepf’s Star Teacher.
  • Saroop Chohani represented Schnepf Elementary and QCUSD at the Town of Queen Creek Civics Bee.
  • Kirk Loocke received the Star Student Award for his courage in battling Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), enduring multiple surgeries, and serving as an ambassador of positivity.
  • Priscilla Santala and Maria Nally completed their teacher certification programs through NAU and ASU.

Silver Valley Elementary

  • Jena Heise received a $2,500 Fiesta Bowl grant for kindergarten STEM classroom materials.
  • Student leader Brielle Stone was one of five winners in OdySea Aquarium’s annual Conservation Art Challenge.

Newell Barney College Prep

  • The RoboBucs robotics team visited the Capitol and was recognized by Representative Michael Way.
  • NBCP hosted a leadership day at QCHS, which included watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and participating in leadership and college/career readiness activities.
  • The RoboBucs won the middle school state championship in robotics.

Queen Creek Junior High School

  • Mr. Olson was nominated for Middle School Athletic Director of the Year.
  • Karson Young hit a hole-in-one at an EVC golf tournament at Fountain of the Hills Golf Course.
  • Mrs. Hawes collaborated with a muralist to transform a wall at QCJHS into a beautiful work of art.

Crismon High School

  • Sophomore Ryland Johns was named a “Leader of Tomorrow” at the Queen Creek Hometown Hero Awards.
  • Economics students placed first and third, and earned four of the top six spots in the Arizona Council on Economic Education’s statewide stock market simulation.
  • The Crismon FBLA team earned 35 medals at the region two competition at Arizona State University.
  • The girls soccer team is ranked the top 4A team in the state.

Eastmark High School

  • Madison Kjos placed second in Olympic lifting at the Arizona State Finals.
  • The orchestra and Sinfonietta earned first and second place at the Music in the Parks Festival.
  • Bradley Dunham took first place in computer programming at SkillsUSA.
  • The DECA team achieved gold standard recognition at the International Career Development Conference in Florida.
  • Mia Migliaccio is the Softball Region Defensive Player of the Year.

Queen Creek High School

  • Mario Aleman received the prestigious Flinn Scholarship.
  • FCCLA students Julia Frease, junior, and Maddie Egendorfer, sophomore, qualified for nationals.
  • Graphic design III student Kaylee Miller placed third in SkillsUSA at EVIT regionals.
  • The football field was upgraded to turf, helping conserve water and reduce costs.
  • Junior quarterback Tait Reynolds is 6A Conference Player of the Year, 12 News Friday Night Fever Offensive Player of the Year, Arizona Cardinals High School Football Player of the Year, and a top-five finalist for the Ed Doherty Award.
  • The QCHS theater company won multiple awards at the regional superiors.
  • Football coach Travis Schureman is the Arizona Cardinals NFL Coach of the Week—twice.
  • Ms. Whelan received the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award.

Queen Creek Unified School District

  • QCUSD is proud to be an “A” Rated District!
  • All schools honored Veterans Day with ceremonies, presentations, musical performances, and special breakfasts to recognize those who have served our country.
  • The LOL (Leading Out Loud) Club presented participatory budget proposals, fostering leadership and civic engagement among students.
  • Construction of Mountain Trail Academy was completed this year. The new school will open for the 2025–2026 school year.
  • Teachers received a 3% raise, thanks to the community’s support in passing the override renewal.
  • Love Our Schools Day brought together students, staff, and families for a day of service dedicated to improving school campuses and strengthening the community.

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