New Teaching With Grace Scholarship honors Perry High alumna while supporting future educators
The Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) awarded 218 donor- and Foundation-funded scholarships totaling nearly $282,000 to graduating seniors across Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).
These scholarships support students pursuing a wide range of post-high school paths, from four-year universities to community college, technical programs, and trade certifications.
CEF also recognized more than 200 IMPACT Chandler Scholars for their commitment to service and academics. Together, these seniors contributed more than 42,550 hours of service to our community throughout high school.
In addition, 118 students received $1,000 scholarships funded through CEF’s annual Winner’s Choice Car or Cash Raffle.
Among this year’s new awards is the Teaching With Grace Scholarship, which honors the memory of Grace Roarty, an exceptional young woman and graduate of Perry High who dreamed of becoming a teacher.
Roarty’s friends Tanner Phillips, a CUSD American Sign Language teacher, and fellow Perry alumna Kristin Gilbert created the scholarship to support students who share Grace’s passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of others.
The phrase “Teaching with Grace” comes from a lanyard Phillips wears daily and has become a reminder among Roarty’s friends in education to keep her memory with them when they teach.
“All she ever wanted to do was be a teacher,” Phillips shared. “If she couldn’t do it, I’m going to do it for her. She’s part of my classroom.”
Many of CEF’s scholarships are created in memory of former students, staff, and community members, offering families a meaningful way to honor their legacy while supporting future generations of CUSD students.
“She’s not with us anymore, but her legacy is going to go on through myself, and also through all the scholarships that we give,” Phillips said.
Now in its 40th year, CEF continues to expand opportunities for students across the district through scholarships, classroom grants, and programs that support student success and well-being.
Interested in supporting students through a scholarship? Complete an interest form to establish a scholarship.
