Scottsdale teacher wins $1,000 grant for music program

Shana Roberts, orchestra teacher at Cocopah Middle School, 6615 E. Cholla St., has been recognized as the March honoree of the Fulton Homes' School Salute initiative, earning a $1,000 grant for the school’s arts program.

The award ceremony, led by Niko from Big 94.5 radio, is scheduled during one of Roberts' classes 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, marking her as the ninth luminary in the lineup of 10 educators to be recognized this calendar year.

An alumna of Northern Arizona University, Roberts teaches sixth- through twelfth-grades at two schools—Cocopah Middle School and Chaparral High School—where she oversees a full symphony orchestra.

Beyond her instructional duties, Roberts' journey includes a passion for baking and a commitment to her family, which includes three musically inclined children. Throughout her professional journey, she has been driven by the mission to guide young minds in discovering their passion, voice and purpose through the transformative power of music.

In recognition of this honor, Cocopah Middle School will receive a $1,000 grant, with the school's music program highlighted on 94.5 KOOL-FM throughout the entire month.

Doug Fulton, chief executive officer of Fulton Homes, underscores the importance of extracurricular pursuits like music and the arts, emphasizing their role in fostering unity among students.

"Educators like Ms. Roberts are the backbone of our community, bringing students together and forming bonds that last a lifetime," he said.

The public is invited to participate in the Fulton Homes' School Salute program by nominating exceptional music instructors in public or private schools, grades 6-12, located in Maricopa or Pinal counties. All nominations can be submitted at audacy.com/big945phoenix/contests/fultonhomesschoolsalute. Submissions should be concise, 250-word compositions, potentially featured on air.