Music & Arts Grant Recipients – 2024
Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2024 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the privilege to connect both in-person and virtually with many of the grant recipients to present them with a check for $250 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.
Check out the awardee spotlights and see the full list of recipients below.
Hannah Hurst – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, Kansas
Hannah Hurst, Kansas National Education Association Member
Deerfield Elementary Art Program
Hannah Hurst, art teacher and Kansas National Education Association Member, applied for a Music & Arts Grant to request funding for the Deerfield Elementary Art Program. Deerfield Elementary School is within the Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence, Kansas and is considered a Title 1 school, with 28% of the student population considered economically disadvantaged.
Hannah wrote in her application, “My elementary art program lost 20% of its funding last school year due to a district wide budget crisis. Our budget now only allocates $3.00 per student for art supplies. This grant would help purchase consumable supplies for over 500 students.”
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, located in the greater Denver area, presented Hannah with the grant during a staff meeting via Zoom. Hannah remarked after receiving the grant “I am just thrilled to be able to provide my students with the supplies they need to have the very best art education!”
Photo: Hannah Hurst, Awardee
Molly Curro – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Columbian Elementary School
Molly Curro, Colorado Education Association Member
Columbian Elementary Art Program
Molly Curro, music teacher and Colorado Education Association member, heard about the Music & Arts Grant from her local union, Pueblo Education Association (PEA). She knew that her school Columbian Elementary, located in a high poverty community, would greatly benefit from the grant.
Molly wrote in her application that the grant would go towards a Piano Lab that would enhance music education through hands-on learning, promote creativity and collaboration among students and in turn enrich the school’s overall arts program.
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty located in the greater Denver area, was excited to award this grant to Molly and Columbian Elementary. She along with Mike Maes (PEA President), Justina Carter (PEA Vice President), Jimmie Pool, Columbian Elementary Principal and colleagues presented the grant to Molly.
Photo L-R: Jimmie Pool, Columbian Elementary Principal, Molly Curro, Awardee, Mike Maes, Pueblo Education Association President, Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager
Kendall Wightman – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Elmhurst Elementary School, Ventura, California
Kendall Wightman, Teacher and California Teachers Association Member
Elmhurst Elementary Art Program
Kendall Wightman, Art Teacher and California Teachers Association Member, heard about the California Casualty Music and Arts Grant from her local union representative. Kendall shared in her application, “with budget cuts over the years, the school no longer receives the simplest of materials such as Sharpie markers for our students.”
Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager, working located in the Southern California Los Angeles area, along with the Music & Arts Grant committee selected Kendall’s application to receive. Jana was due to surprise Kendall with the grant, however plans changed, “this was my most unforgettable presentation. On November 6th while in route to Elmhurst ES, I received a call from the school secretary advising me to turn back immediately, as schools across the district were dismissing staff and shutting down operations due to the wildfires in Ventura County. Despite the chaos, one week later I had the privilege of attending their November 13th staff meeting to surprise CTA member, Kendal Wightman, with the grant. This group was the most humble and enthusiastic group of individuals.” Although the Mountain Fire was destructive, burning over 20,000 acres, damaging and destroying hundreds of building, luckily few individuals were injured.
Photo L-R: Bret Klopfenstein, Principal (and happy CalCas customer), Sarah McLaughlin, President of Ventura Unified Education Association (another happy CalCas customer), Jana Charles, Kendall Wightman, Awardee, and Ryan Oast, Ventura Unified Education Association site representative
Katrina Snow – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Paradise Valley Elementary, Casper, Wyoming
Katrina Snow, Art Teacher and Wyoming Education Association Member
Paradise Valley Elementary Lunar New Year Program
Paradise Elementary School in Casper, Wyoming services a dual language student population of both Mandarin Chinese and English. Each year the art, music and physical education teachers fund and host an all-school student art show that centers around the Zodiac animal of the Lunar New Year.
Katrina Snow, Art Teacher and Wyoming Education Association member, was excited to learn about the grant, writing that if awarded a grant, funds would go to props, costumes and other supplies so each student could make at least 2 projects to celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Year of the Snake.
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager located in the greater Denver area, notified Katrina of the grant awardee. Jolie received a note from Katrina stating, “we are very excited to use these funds to enhance our all-school Lunar New Year Celebration taking place on January 31, 2025. The funds will be used well for the art show and performance by all of our talented students. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Photo: Katrina Snow, Awardee
Blake Kuroiwa – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Mountainside High School, Beaverton, Oregon
Blake Kuroiwa, Oregon Education Association Member
Mountainside Band Program
Blake Kuroiwa, Band Instructor, Teacher and Oregon Education Association member, applied with a note stating that the band budget had been reduced by half this year due to cuts. This has reduced the program’s ability to serve students of lower socio-economic status. The funds from the grant will aid those students who wish to participate in marching band, winter guard, or winter percussion.
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager working locally in Oregon, presented to Blake along with the Band Booster President, Stephanie Marr. Dee Dee remarked that Blake was excited and thankful to receive the grant. He told Dee Dee that he spends his summer break looking for opportunities to raise funds and to find grants.
Photo L-R: Dee Dee Templeton, California Casualty Sr. Account Development Manager, Stephanie Marr, Band Booster President, Band member, Dani Castaneda, band member and Blake Kuroiwa, Awardee
Jim Phillips – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Coeur d’Alene High School, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Jim Phillips, Instrumental Music Director and Idaho Education Association Member
Coeur d’Alene High School Orchestra Program
Coeur d’Alene High School receives a Music & Arts Grant to help keep the music going. Located seven hours north of Boise is Coeur d’Alene High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The area is known for being the playground of the Pacific Northwest because of the many recreational activities. But for the orchestra department at the high school, budget cuts were impacting students’ ability to continuously play.
Jim Phillips, Instrumental Music Director and teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School wrote in his application that the orchestra has not had a budget for about five years. If a string breaks in rehearsal, the instrument and the player are out of commission until a new string can be acquired.
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager working locally in Oregon, shared the goods news with Jim about his application being selected for a Music & Arts Grant. Dee Dee shared that Jim was so thankful for the grant award, that being able to have new strings readily available is such a basic need.
Photo L-R: Jim Phillips, Awardee, and Mike Randles, Coeur D’Alene High School Principal
Melanie Tanesco – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
J.C. Crumpton Elementary School, Marina, California
Melanie Tanesco, 1st Grade/Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association Member
J.C. Crumpton Elementary Saturday Academy – Inclusive Program
Melanie Tanesco, 1st Grade/Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association member, heard about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant from her local union newsletter. She knew the J.C. Crumpton Elementary Saturday Academy program would benefit from the grant.
Melanie wrote in her application that the program includes painting, STEAM art challenges and other inclusive programs attended by both general and special education students. “The grant will ensure that all students continue to benefit from these enriching experiences, helping our kids to be creative and embrace their unique talents. Despite potential budget constraints, the focus will be on maintaining the quality and accessibility of our inclusive Saturday Academy to support the diverse needs of our student community and foster a love for creativity and learning.”
Chris Nieto, Account Development Manager located in central California, delivered the good news to Melanie. Chris said that “Melanie was very excited and thankful to be chosen as one of this year’s recipients of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant. She plans to use the funds for a variety of art projects.”
Photo: Melanie Tanesco, Awardee, and Chris Nieto, Account Development Manager
Brian Mabry – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Leroy Greene Academy, Sacramento, California
Brian Mabry, Music Teacher and California Teachers Association Member
Leroy Greene Academy Band
Brian Mabry, Music Teacher at Leroy Greene Academy was in the middle of updating his California Casualty Insurance policy when he was surprised by Amanda Keidel, Account Development Manager covering accounts in northern California, and Mara Harvey, Natomas Teachers’ Association President. They were there to deliver a $250 Music & Arts Grant award to Brian.
In the application, Brian wrote, “the LGA music program has suffered for the past several years due to lack of staffing. Previously it offered classes for junior high and high school students with two different teachers. Last year they could not find a teacher; the music class was transformed into a computer course. In my first year, I started a band program and have almost 200 students.”
Amanda said that Brian was very surprised and thrilled; he plans to purchase sheet music and reeds for his classes.
Photo L-R: Brian Mabry, Awardee and Mara Harvey, Natomas Teachers’ Association President
Rhonda McQuown – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Rio Vista Elementary, Cathedral City, California
Rhonda McQuown, Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association Member
Special Education – Special Day Class
Rhonda McQuown, Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association member, was surprised this fall with a $250 Music & Arts Grant from California Casualty.
Rhonda wrote in her application that she was requesting funding to purchase art supplies that are appropriate for her special education classroom of mild/moderate students that have learning disabilities, autism or intellectual disabilities, stating “appropriate art supplies will enhance student enrichment and art experiences.”
Inez Morales, Sr. Account Development Manager, located in southern California, had the pleasure of surprising Rhonda with the grant award. She along with the Principal, Vice Principal of Rio Vista Elementary, the Palm Springs Teachers Association President and fellow colleagues celebrated Rhoda and her students. Inez remarked, “Rhonda helps her students reach their full potential, offering not just academic instruction but also emotional support, advocacy, and life skills development. The way her students interacted with her spoke volumes about how special she is, there were smiles all around that day.”
Photo L-R: Aaron Tarzian, Rio Vista Elementary Principal, Rhonda McQuown, Awardee, Karen Johnson, Palm Springs Teachers Association President
Inez Rowles – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
New Hope Elementary, Thornton, California
Inez Rowles, Teacher, New Hope Education Association President and California Teachers Association Member
Art in the Classroom
Inez Rowles, kindergarten teacher, New Hope Education Association President and California Teachers Association Member, at New Hope Elementary heard about the Music & Arts Grant from Angie Rajczyk, Account Development Manager covering accounts in the San Francisco Bay Area. New Hope Elementary is a one-building school district in a very rural area, with limited resources. Inez applied asking to support art education for the students in her classroom.
Angie along with New Hope Elementary Principal, Clint Johnson, presented the grant to Inez. Inez told Angie that ” I am so excited for the grant. I am going to use the funds to purchase portfolios and art supplies for all the students. This will allow them to keep all of their artwork in one place and be able to showcase it at the end of the year.”
Not only is Inez the local president of New Hope Education Association, the Principal, Clint, is an ACSA member!
Photo L-R: Inez Rowles, Awardee, Angie Rajczyk, Account Development Manager and Cliff Johnson, New Hope Elementary Principal
Amy Kirchoff – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Richardson Elementary School, Tucson, AZ
Amy Kirchoff, Music Teacher and Arizona Education Association Member
Richardson Elementary Music Program
Amy Kirchoff, music teacher and Arizona Education Association member, has felt the pressure of budget cuts. With an idea to broaden her students’ horizons through music she looked to the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant as a solution. Amy wrote if awarded, “the grant money will be used to purchase multicultural instruments, games, and activities for her students.”
On the afternoon of October 30th, Amy was expecting a routine discussion with her school principal, Mr. Linker, to celebrate her recent achievements. He informed Amy that there would be more participants attending the meeting virtually. It was an exciting moment when Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager and Paul Deutsch, Strategic Account Manager presented Amy with the grant, recognizing her hard work and dedication. Jana remarked that Amy’s reaction was priceless, making the surprise even more special.
Photo Top-Bottom: Amy Kirchoff, Awardee, Paul Deutsch, Strategic Account Manager, Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager
The complete list of 2024 Grant recipients are:
- Danielle Yeti,A.M. Winn Elementary School , Sacramento , CA , Electives programs for grades 6-8
- Ashley Martinez , Anna McKenney Intermediate , Marysville , CA , Drama
- Joleen Vincent , Creative Connections Arts Academy High School , Sacramento , CA , Introduction to Art classes
- Joleen Vincent , Creative Connections Arts Academy High School , North Highlands , CA , Visual Arts
- Beth Geise , Hooker Oak Elementary School , Chico , CA , Alzheimers Care
- Brian Mabry , Leroy Greene Academy , Sacramento , CA , LGA Band
- Erica Hung , Riverview STEM Academy , Rancho Cordova , CA , Education through Music
- David Hunter , Bridge Program – Diablo Unified School District , Concord, CA , Visual Arts
- Jessica Gutierrez , James Lick High School , San Jose , CA , James Lick Advanced Art Pathway / Visual Arts Program
- Leslie McNabb , Lone Tree Elementary , Antioch , CA , Classroom
- Angela Ordaz , Mountain View Elementary , Concord , CA , School Counseling
- Inez Rowles , New Hope Elementary , Thornton , CA , Art in my classroom
- Crystal Latonio , Zane Middle School , Eureka , CA , Art Therapy
- Alexa Quezada , El Monte Middle School , Orosi , CA , Art Elective Classroom
- Lindsay Doyle , Fairmont Elementary , Sanger , CA , Art Show
- Melanie Tanseco , JC Crumpton Elementary , Marina , CA , TK – 6th
- Amber Wilkerson , Los Ranchos Elementary School , San Luis Obispo , CA , Special Education Day Classes
- Rebecca Townsend , Rivergold Elementary School , Coarsegold , CA , Classroom
- Janet Washington , Stella Hills Elementary , Bakersfield , CA , Art
- Jim Phillips , Coeur d’Alene High School , Coeur D Alene , ID , Orchestra
- Jessica Johnson , Hawthorne Middle School , Pocatello , ID , Hawthorne Middle School Choirs
- Melissa Syverson , Lewiston High School , Lewiston , ID , Drama Department
- Ainsley Boan , Whitney Elementary School , Boise , ID , Art
- Andrew Thompson , Aloha High School , Aloha , OR , Music Studio Program
- Jennifer Stone , Cedar Park Middle School , Porland , OR , Band
- Blake Kuroiwa , Mountainside High School , Beaverton , OR , Mountainside Band Program
- Brianna Carder , Talmadge Middle School , Independence , OR , Mariachi Program
- Chelice M Gilman , Ella B. Allen Elementary , Bonita , CA , Visual Art
- Lisa Sandberg , Gus Franklin Jr. STEM School , Victorville , CA , Art program
- Carolyn Quirino , La Granada Elementary , Riverside , CA , Art lessons for students through Art Smarts
- Natalee Boggs , Murrieta Mesa High School , Murrieta , CA , Special Education
- Natalee Boggs , Murrieta Mesa High School , Murrieta , CA , Unified Leadership
- David von Behren , Oasis Elementary School , Twentynine Palms , CA , Autism Music and Sculpture
- Rhonda McQuown , Rio Vista Elementary , Cathedral City , CA , Special Day Class
- Jean Tillman , Brookhurst Elementary School , Garden Grove , CA , Kindergarten Students
- Kristen Hellewell , Castille Elementary , Mission Viejo , CA , Special Needs in Music
- Roberto Ontiveros , Century High School , Santa Ana , CA , Century Instrumental Music Program
- Kendall Wightman , Elmhurst Elementary , Ventura , CA , Elementary Art
- Araceli Garcia , Workman High School , City of Industry , CA , ELD Design-Based Learning Summer program
- Jessica Reed , York Elementary , Hawthorne , CA , Painting
- Kirstin Miller , Bear Creek High School , Lakewood , CO , Bear Creek High School Instrumental Music Program
- Kathy Van Wert , Bill Reed Middle School , Loveland , CO , Bill Reed Middle School Band Program
- Molly Curro , Columbian Elementary , Pueblo , CO ,
- Cheryl Malet , Escalante-Biggs Academy , Denver , CO , Art
- Michele Arthur , Jack Swigert Middle School , CO Springs , CO , Art
- Amelia Haug , Maplewood Elementary , Greeley , CO , Music Classes and Choir Program
- Amy Holle , Niwot High School , Niwot , CO , Unified Theater
- Patricia Koed , Platte Valley Middle School , Kersey , CO , PVMS Choir
- Kari Dusenbery , York International , Thornton , CO , Middle/High School art and Design
- Hannah Hurst , Deerfield Elementary , Lawrence , KS , Deerfield Elementary Art Program
- Crystal Plante , Hill City Grade School , Hill City , KS , Art
- Katrina Snow , Paradise Valley Elementary , Casper , WY , Primarily Art-art and music programs works together to create a school-wide art show and performance.
- Lynnsey Patterson , Woods Learning Center , Casper , WY , Art
- Charla Jones , Carol G. Peck School , Glendale , AZ , K-8 art program
- Monika Beauvais Landi , Fulton Elementary School , Chandler , AZ , Fulton Elementary School General Music Program
- Gabriela Carrillo , Mitchell Elementary , Phoenix , AZ , Mitchell’s Art Program
- Christina Ozuna , Park Meadows Elementary , Glendale , AZ , Art
- Marguerite Samples , Pueblo Gardens PreK-8 School , Tucson , AZ , Art
- Graham Corp , Rhodes Jr. High School , Mesa , AZ , Special Education/Band
- Amy Kirchoff , Richardson Elementary , Tucson , AZ , Music
- Monica Tavcar , Sunrise Elementary School , Phoenix , AZ , Sunrise School Art Program
- Judith Arnold , Thomas Elementary School , Flagstaff , AZ , Native American education
Learn more about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant, and our other Community Impact Program, the Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant.
