Colette McNally

As we begin the new academic year and the opportunity it gives us to showcase Sun Lakes Rotary’s goal of supporting the academic endeavors of our Chandler teachers, we welcome our first award winner of the 2014-15 year, Crystal Porras, from Chief Hill Learning Academy. Every month we ask our schools to name one of their best teachers and our team of experts chooses who will be granted this recognition which consists of a $200 award sponsored by Sun Lakes Rotary and Arizona Trust Bank.

Crystal Porras has taught English at Chief Hill Learning Academy, a non-traditional school in the Chandler Unified School District, for three years. Due to a variety of reasons, the high school students at Hill are lacking in credits for graduation and they require a unique teacher who can motivate them in completing their required classes. Crystal also teaches junior high classes at Hill providing the students extra attention and using behavior modification techniques working towards their successful high school endeavors. Crystal is patient, kind and understanding as she works closely with the students and parents to ensure success. Crystal has received a lot of praise from parents regarding her perseverance in her commitment to her students. Crystal well deserves to be recognized for her dedication to her students as well as to Hill Academy. Crystal was accompanied by her school Principal David Constantine who spoke to us about Crystal’s accomplishments.

Sun Lakes Rotary welcomes prospective members and all those interested in our mission and goals to our Tuesday meetings. For more information about Rotary’s mission and goals and how to be part of our community service goals, please contact Charles Loew at 602-721-3680.