Mesa, Arizona – August 29, 2023 – Four members of the Mesa Community College (MCC) Educators Rising (EdRising) Club captured first place awards in several competitions at the 2023 EdRising national conference earlier this year.

EdRising is a national network of teacher leaders and teacher educators providing quality professional development for a career in education to dedicated aspiring educators. More than 3,000 students and educators attended the conference which focused on “Serving Our Community.” Keynote speaker was 2022 National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell of Oberlin High School in Ohio.

MCC EdRising student club Co-Presidents Sariah Chabarria and Estrella Magallon and Secretary Rachel Horvat focused on the issue of cyber bullying to take top honors in a team-based ethical dilemma competition. “I thought the way Estrella, Sariah and I collaborated worked really well,” said Horvat. “We were able to see things from multiple perspectives in order to find more well-rounded solutions.”

Club member Caitlin McLeroy earned first place in a Project Visualize competition based on a student-initiated service project and funded by an MCC Making a Difference Grant for which McLeroy applied. The grant funded hands-on STEAM activities at Mesa’s Rhodes Junior High School including instruction in programming, exploring circuitry and engineering challenges and building a miniature mock-up of a satellite recently launched into space by Arizona State University. McLeroy worked in collaboration with Rhodes teacher Dana Dix and MCC EdRising Club Senator Taryn Willis.

“My participation enabled me to develop leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and time management skills that will benefit my future as a teacher,” said McLeroy. “I am hopeful we will be able to continue our partnership with Rhodes this upcoming year.”

Other club members attending the conference were Torrie Tsosie and Yarely Tapia, with MCC education faculty member Tawn Hauptli, Ed.D, served as judges in two “creative lecture” competitions focusing on student responses to topics including connectedness after the pandemic and an ethical education-related dilemma.

“We were energized by our experience and are eagerly looking forward to sharing what we have learned with education studies students during the fall 2023 semester,” said Hauptli. “These pre-service teachers are rising stars.”

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.