The Center for the Philosophy of Freedom was honored to support the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) at the 12th Annual Champions in Education event on November 15. As an Entrepreneur Sponsor, the Freedom Center team joined educators, students, and community leaders in celebrating the power of economic, financial, and entrepreneurship education across Arizona. Dr. Mary Rigdon, Freedom Center Director, Associate Professor of Political Economy and Moral Science, and member of the ACEE Board of Directors, shared her enthusiasm for the event and the ACEE mission.
The Freedom Center Table at the 12th Annual Champion in Education event included Freedom Center staff and “All-Star Educators” from around Arizona.
“ACEE’s work transforms students’ lives by empowering them with tools to think critically and confidently about their financial futures. Congratulations to all the educators who bring this essential knowledge into classrooms across Arizona and support their students’ financial literacy.”
Dr. Mary RigdonFreedom Center Director, Associate Professor of Political Economy and Moral Science, & Member of ACEE Board of Directors
A special moment in the evening came when Kerry Montaño, from the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, introduced the finalists for the High School Division Arizona Economic Education Teacher of the Year. We extend our warmest congratulations to Vicki Schomaker of Mountain View High School, who received this distinguished honor, as well as to all finalists and students recognized throughout the night. Finalists included Janay Perone, Boulder Creek High School; Mitch Pinda, Valley Vista High School; and Shannon Sweat, ASU Preparatory Academy Digital. Susan Spigelmire of Liberty Traditional School was also honored as Elementary/Middle School Division’s Arizona Economic Education Teacher of the Year, and Cinnamon Conrad of Alice Vail Middle School was recognized as a finalist.
Funds raised through this event directly support ACEE’s mission to provide economic, financial, and entrepreneurship education for all Arizona students. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful work and to celebrate the educators who make such an enduring difference in our communities. Congratulations to each and every educator dedicated to the winning success of their students’ futures!
