A 100% student/alumni ran, nonprofit organization (est. 2019)
Wildcat Wishes Award Recipients (2021)
Stephanie Alvarez
2nd Grade Teacher
Davis Bilingual Magnet School, TUSD
Stephanie received resources to grow her school's learning garden including various seeds, chicken coop materials, compost materials, and more. Through the learning garden, Stephanie hopes to integrate math, science, and cultural studies with hands-on activities like planting and harvesting. The garden will enrich the curriculum by fostering engagement, teaching about local agriculture and traditions, and promoting nutrition and physical activity for students and their families.
Cindy Chamberlain
5th Grade Teacher
Desert Willow Elementary, VUSD
Cindy received materials to create a Tinker Box filled with supplies to inspire students' creativity and engagement through hands-on STEM activities. By providing materials like foam sheets, buttons, and glue, Cindy aims to foster skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and imagination, offering students an individualized and enriching learning experience they otherwise wouldn’t have due to limited school resources.
Connie Coles
9th Grade Teacher
Andrada Polytechnic High, VUSD
First year teacher Connie received books to build a diverse classroom library to motivate students and improve their reading skills by providing access to contemporary Young Adult novels. With titles like The Hate U Give and Stamped, her goal is to expand students' perspectives on literature while fostering a love for reading, addressing the lack of resources typically available in the classroom.
Erica DePenna
School Counselor
Warren Elementary, TUSD
Erica received a play therapy sand tray kit to support students in a Title 1 elementary school who experience trauma and emotional distress. The sand tray and figurines will offer sensory stimulation and an alternative means of communication, helping students process emotions, regulate stress, and promote healing in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Linda Kiel
Pre-K Teacher
White Elementary, TUSD
Linda received a puppet theatre to help Pre-K students in her Title 1 school address social-emotional challenges, build empathy, and enhance creativity through imaginative play. Acting out stories and scenarios will offer students a safe and engaging way to express feelings, solve conflicts, and develop critical communication and problem-solving skills.
Patricia Parra
Library Assistant
Maldonado Elementary, TUSD
Patricia received various materials to revitalize the Maldonado Elementary School library by creating a warm, inviting space where students can discover diverse stories and cultures. With single book display stands, wooden lumbar to improve book visibility, and engaging bulletin boards, the library will become an accessible and inspiring resource for young learners.
Heather Postelwait
6th/7th Grade Teacher & Book Club Advisor
Old Vail Middle, VUSD
Heather received 20 copies of The Mysterious Benedict Society and New Kid for the OVMS Book Club, fostering a love of reading among middle school students. These books will not only benefit the club members but also enhance the school library's resources, creating opportunities for book studies and sharing across the Vail School District.
Laura Procopio
Kindergarten Teacher
De Grazia Elementary, MUSD
Laura received various materials to create a welcoming and age-appropriate classroom library for her kindergarten class at De Grazia Elementary. By providing books, storage bins, and cozy furniture, this space will inspire a love of reading, support developmental learning, and offer students a vibrant environment to explore stories and new topics.
Michele Rottler
8th Grace Teacher
Old Vail Middle, VUSD
Michele and her students received a subscription to Scope Materials to provide 8th-grade ELA students with engaging, diverse, and grade-appropriate articles that support key skills like text evidence and central idea. With both digital and print options, this resource will help bridge academic gaps, accommodate varied learning needs, and prepare students for high school and beyond.
Koletta Saddleback
Drama Teacher
Hasan Preparatory & Leadership School
Koletta received funding to install stage curtains in the auditorium at Hasan Preparatory & Leadership School, enhancing the space used for drama productions, cultural storytelling, and school events. These curtains will create a more professional and inspiring stage for students to celebrate their creativity, preserve Native languages, and showcase their talents during school gatherings.
Erica Neff
5th Grade Teacher
Hendricks Elementary, FWSD
Erica received two essential resources for kinesthetic learning: a magnetic, dry-erase flip chart easel and a double-sided rolling magnetic whiteboard. These tools will empower students to actively engage in lessons by writing, sharing, and demonstrating their understanding, fostering confidence, leadership, and social-emotional growth. The requested resources will transform the learning environment, encouraging collaboration and interaction, particularly valuable after the challenges of recent years.