Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2025 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 $300 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.

Check out the awardee spotlights and see the full list of recipients below.

Danielle Jensen – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Stoneman Elementary School, Pittsburg, California

Danielle Jensen, California Teachers Association (CTA)

Elementary Visual Arts Program

Danielle wrote in her application: “I teach in a Title One school with over 81% of our scholars receiving free or reduced lunch. The 2023-24 school year was the first year of our elementary visual arts program, and the district allotted each EVAP teacher with a (one-time) $1,500 budget per site to purchase art supplies from the district-approved company (Southwest). There were many items I was unable to purchase for my art students that I want to get this year to give them more varied art experiences. Specifically, they have been asking for opportunities to sculpt with clay and weave with yarn. Budgets have not yet been formalized for the 24-25 school year, so I am unsure how much EVAP funding there will be. Receiving this grant will help ensure that my 200+ art students at Stoneman get to experience sculpture and the fiber arts, most for the very first time, regardless of anticipated budget constraints”

Danielle says on winning the award.…” I am looking forward to purchasing the necessary materials to teach my kids how to use yarn and weave, a beautiful artistic skill to have.”

Pictured: Art Teacher Makaela Huntsinger, Awardee Danielle Jensen, and Angie Rajczyk, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty

Michelle Orgon – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Clyde W. Needham, Lodi, California

Michelle Orgon, California Teachers Association (CTA)

Classroom Art

Michelle wrote on her application: “An art enrichment program, choice by students. The students are socio-economically disadvantaged. They will choose a multi-week course. This will teach specific skills for students to develop skills and learn techniques for developing art through a project by age. They will learn about different artists and apply similar concepts to art they create on their own. This will give them a creative opportunities and develop artist understanding and appreciation”

Michelle Orgon says: “I am so grateful to California Casualty to help support students and classroom teachers with this grant. This grant will afford my students with additional art opportunities.”

Pictured: Angie Rajczyk, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty, Awardee and former LEA President Michelle Orgon, and Principal Charalee Cunninghan.

Micah Brandt – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Wheatland Middle School, Wheatland , Wyoming

Micah Brandt, Wyoming Education Association (WEA)

Middle School Art: Ceramics Program

Micah Brandt wrote in her application: ”I have $700 budget per year and 120 students. $5.80 isn’t much to educate a student for five months. $1.40 per student per month. One of my pottery wheels just broke and this would be enough to order a new pottery wheel motor for $125 and purchase new clay tools…”

Pictured: Greg Herold, UniServ Director, Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Awardee Micah Brandt, Leslie Harlan, Platte County EA President.

Alexis Mauser – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Henderson Elementary, Henderson, Colorado

Alexis Mauser, Colorado Education Association (CEA)

Henderson Elementary Art Program

Alexis Mauser applied for the grant on behalf of Art Teacher Amanda Jensen.  On the application she wrote:  “We are the only school in the district that only has 2 specials – they cut music last year and replaced it with art. Since replacing it, we have relied on donations for supplies in the art room. I think our school really gets overlooked and it’s not fair for the teachers to be the ones to have to make up for it.”

Pictured:  Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Kathey Ruybal, BEA President, Alexis Mauser, Applicant and Art Teacher Amanda Jensen

Abby Blakeney – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver, Colorado

Abby Blakeney, Colorado Education Association (CEA)

Instrumental Music Program: Band, Guitar, and Peer-to-Peer Music

Abby wrote in her application: “These grant funds would be used to purchase music and curriculum that better fits our student population (including our Special Needs music makers) and provide extra playing materials such as reeds and guitar picks that our students are always in need of.”

Pictured: Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Awardee Abby Blakeney – dressed as Sally Brown from Peanuts for a staff costume contest.

Shantelle Gillis – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Northside Elementary, Sandpoint, Idaho

Shantelle Gillis, Idaho Education Association (IEA)

Arts Integration

In her application, Shantelle wrote:  “Because we are a small and rural school, we are not provided with an art teacher like other schools in our district are. But we know how important art is to our students so the grant money provides us with an art parapro and budget for supplies needed to offer this to all our students each school year.”

Pictured: Awardee Shantelle Gillis, Art Paraprofessional Janice Riley.

William Brewer – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City, Kansas

William Brewer, Kansas National Education Association (KNEA)

Vocal Music Program

William wrote in his application: “The grant funds will aid in the purchase of a djembe drum, a 5-piece full size drum set, and a conga drum set, culturally relevant instruments for school heritage assemblies and performances.”

Pictured: Awardee William Brewer

Yvette Cortes – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Sierra Vista Elementary , Madera, California

Yvette Cortes, California Teachers Association (CTA)

2nd Grade Art Program

On her application, Yvette wrote: “Sierra Vista is a Title I school. The grant would be allocated in the 2nd grade level which consists of 4 classes. Art is not taught with a big emphasis as students get older and I believe our students would benefit greatly from art funds so that they can learn to express themselves through their creativity. This grant will us to have funds for supplies such as paint, construction paper, clay, etc.”

Pictured: Awardee Yvette Cortes

Erica Rutledge  – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Frye Elementary, Chandler, Arizona

Erica Rutledge, Arizona Education Association (AEA)

Frye Elementary School Disney Musical

Erica included on her application: “We never have received funding in support of our musical. We depend on parent donation and thrifting to get our costumes and props. This grant will go to helping us build our prop and costume closet and towards set pieces we share with other title I schools. This is our 3rd year in the musical program and it is completely up to us to pay for the license, scripts and score.”

Pictured: Chandler EA President Laurel Miller, Awardee Erica Rutledge, AEA Organizational Consultant Katie Nash

Evangelina Felix Osuna – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Indio, California

Evangelina Felix Osuna, California Teachers Association (CTA)

Inez Morales, Sr. Account Development Manager at California Casualty, presented Ms. Osuna with the award and adds that upon receiving it she was completely shocked.  Ms. Osuna learned about the grant at the New Educator Conference. The funds will help her purchase specialty supplies for their new program.

Pictured: Trina Alesi, Desert Sands TA President, Awardee Evangelina Osuna

Vanessa Van Dyck – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight

Jefferson Leadership Academy, Long Beach, California

Vanessa Van Dyck, Teachers Association of Long Beach

Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced Art

On her application, Ms. Van Dyck wrote: “Funds for our Visual Arts Program are shared with our Music Program. Allocated funds include teacher pay as well as a supply budget per CA Prop. 28.
Money from this grant will support funding of consumable art supplies which will be used across the three levels of art – introductory, intermediate, and advanced. The projects affected by this grant will be multicultural, inclusive, and support scaffolding for English Learners and students with special needs. Thank you for this opportunity!”

Pictured: Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, Awardee Vanessa Van Dyck

The complete list of 2025 Grant recipients are:

• SuJenna Griner, Vacaville High School, Vacaville, California, VAPA – Printmaking Supplies
• Marisa Finlayson, Pioneer High School, Woodland California, Music & Jazz Band
• Kristin Wells, Bowman Charter School, Auburn, California, Band Program
• Jessica Bennett , Diablo Vista Elementary , Antioch, California, Grade-level Art Program
• Danielle Jensen, Stoneman Elementary School, Pittsburg, California, Elementary Visual Arts Program
• Michelle Orgon, Clyde W. Needham, Lodi, California, Classroom Art
• Adam Smith, Fort Hall Elementary, Pocatello, Idaho, 5th Grade Native American Art Project
• Shantelle Gillis, Northside Elementary, Sandpoint, Idaho, Arts Integration
• Jessica Fitzsimmons, Wilson Elementary, Medford, Oregon, Feeling in Art
• Janina Tabor, Harvey Clarke Elementary, Forest Grove, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
• Danielle Luby, Lee Elementary School, Salem, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
• Kristin King, Echo Shaw Elementary School, Cornelius, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
• Lauren Pomrantz, Del Mar Elementary, Santa Cruz, California, Annual First Grade Musical
• Jocelyn Babb, Berkshire Elementary School, Bakersfield, California, Transitional Kindergarten Art Program
• Yvette Cortes, Sierra Vista Elementary, Madera, California, 2nd Grade Art
• Erica Rutledge, Frye Elementary, Chandler, Arizona, Our yearly Disney Musical, Finding Nemo
• Amanda Sabados, Silver Gate Elementary, San Diego, California, Special Education Music Enrichment Program
• Alice Wilson, Coronado Village Elementary School, Coronado, California, Third Grade Art Programs
• Marisa Primacio, Clear View Elementary School, Chula Vista, California, Dance Program
• Evangelina Felix Osuna, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Indio, California, Elementary Visual Arts
• Erica Holloway, Charles Bursch Elementary, Baldwin Park, California, Performing Arts & Dance
• Vanessa Van Dyck, Jefferson Leadership Academy, Long Beach, California, Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced Art
• Bill Estrada Gallimore, Glendale High School, Glendale, California, Instrumental Music
• Amber Garcia, Centennial School District R-1, San Luis, Colorado, Art and Music Department
• Abby Blakeney, Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver, Colorado, Instrumental Music Program: Band, Guitar, and Peer-to-Peer Music
• Jenny Hall, Antelope Trails Elementary School, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Music classroom at ATE
• Alexis Mauser, Henderson Elementary, Henderson, Colorado, Art
• William Brewer, F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City, Kansas, Vocal Music Program
• Erica Seago, Arrowhead Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas, Instrumental Music
• Micah Brandt, Wheatland Middle School, Wheatland , Wyoming, Middle School Art: Ceramics Program

Learn more about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant, and our other Community Impact Program, the Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2023 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the opportunity to do in-person presentations to award all the very deserving recipients with a check for $250 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.

Learn more about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant, and our other Community Impact Program, the Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant.

Adams City High School

Jason Malmberg – District 14 Classroom Teachers Association President, Brendan Parker – Recipient, Jolie Spence – California Casualty, and Chris Garcia – Principal

Topeka High School

Paula Reilly, Associate Principal; Dustin Dick, Principal; Josh Davis, Grant Recipient; Angela Neuroth, Topeka NEA President; Lindsay Buck, KNEA UniServ Director; Rebecca Stumpf, California Casualty

Sabin Middle School

Daniel Carragher, Principal (it was pajama day); Megan Langdon and Jessica Medina, recipients; and Jolie Spence, California Casualty

Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School

California Casualty Music and Arts Grant recipient Lindsey Sparacino 

Bear Creek K-8 School

Jolie Spence from California Casualty with Music & Arts Grant recipient, Angelina “Crow” Medina

Cheldelin Middle School

Music & Arts Grant recipient, David Blake and Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty

Hillside Junior High

Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Emily White, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president

Diablo Vista Middle School

Chavonta Edington, Music Teacher Ben Loomer, Principal Jeffrey Osbom, and Angie Rajczyk from California Casualty

Valley Verde Elementary School

California Casualty’s Angie Rajczyk with grant recipient Criag Yen, and Principal Mignon Perkins

Locke College Prep Academy

Music & Arts Grant recipient, Larry McDuffie with Principal, Peggy Gutierrez