Chandler school leader wins $20,000 grand prize
The Chandler community came together in a big way for the 2026 Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) Winner’s Choice Raffle. The fundraiser raised $124,810 for scholarships and programs benefiting students across all 48 Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) schools.
Congratulations to this year’s grand prize winner Janeen Scaringelli. The director of Chandler Early College — an alternative high school in CUSD — couldn't believe it when she got the call that she'd won.
"I think I said 'shut up, shut up!' and screamed with my admin assistant," Scaringelli recalled.
She chose the $20,000 cash prize and plans to use part to complete a 15½-year journey with her son — visiting the final two ballparks in their tour of all 30 Major League stadiums. The rest will go toward his college savings.
“This prize carries a very special meaning for my family,” she shared. “My brother passed away this past October, and his parting advice was always to take the trip and make the memories because life is too short.”
Like many in the Chandler community, Scaringelli has been a long-time supporter of CEF’s annual raffle.
“I see firsthand how these scholarships transform lives and provide hope for our students’ futures,” Scaringelli said. “It’s simply about doing my part to help our kids succeed and ensuring our district remains a place where every student is empowered to reach their full potential.”
At Chandler Early College, she's also seen the impact of CEF programs up close. This year, a CEF Cash For Classrooms grant — also funded through community support — helped bring programming focused on social-emotional growth and resilience to her campus.
“Partnerships like the one we have with the Chandler Education Foundation are the lifeblood of our school’s unique culture,” Scaringelli said. “Whether it is through life-changing scholarships or grants that bring transformational speakers to our students, CEF fills the gaps that budgets cannot.”
For the Chandler Education Foundation, stories like this reflect the strength of the community behind local schools.
“I’m continually moved by the power of our community coming together to support education and invest in the success of Chandler students,” said Jen Hewitt, executive director of the CEF. “It was especially meaningful to present the prize to someone who works every day to support Chandler students.”
As the CEF celebrates 40 years of supporting CUSD, the raffle remains one of many ways the community invests in students’ futures.
Thank you to Big Two Toyota of Chandler and everyone who made this year’s raffle possible and who continue to invest in the success of Chandler students!
