FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: CMS Education Foundation
Email: info@cmseducationfoundation.org
Date: November 30, 2025
Clovis, NM—The Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025-2026 Education Initiative Grants. These competitive grants, totaling almost $26,000, are awarded annually to support innovative, student-focused projects within the Clovis Municipal Schools district. Each selected project demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence, equity, and creativity in the classroom.
Seven projects were selected for funding this year, led by educators who demonstrate excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to student growth. The 2025 Education Initiative Grant winners are:
Christopher Miller with Vicki Guiffre—Clovis High School
Project: “GT – Competition and Field Trips: Destination Imagination”
This student-led STEAM initiative engages Gifted and Talented students in Destination Imagination, a national program that promotes problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork through academic challenges and competition-based learning experiences.
Emily Clark with Tara Jones–Parkview Elementary School
Project: “Every Student, Every Sense” -
This project expands Parkview’s sensory resources to better serve students with behavioral and sensory regulation needs. Through evidence-based tools like compression chairs and fidget kits, the initiative promotes emotional regulation, focus, and inclusive classroom environments.
J’Drian Lawson with Kyree Kennard, Nik Fidanzato, Shaynell Gomez, Jennifer Johnson, Fay Craigmile, Ryann Dunn, and J.T. Berry – iAcademy
Project: “Growing Minds Through Gardens” -
This campus-wide garden initiative transforms underutilized school space into an outdoor classroom where students learn science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. The project also strengthens school-community ties through volunteerism and fresh produce sharing.
Kasandra Taupier with Kaina Hodson, Kesha Adams, Rebecca Eichem, Elizabeth Garnica, Sarah Scism, and Charles Shields – Barry Elementary School
Project: “STEM Sports” -
Combining academic content with physical activity, this project introduces an innovative STEM Sports curriculum that teaches math and science concepts through games like soccer and baseball. The program increases engagement, supports diverse learning styles, and promotes student wellness.
Kimberly Trujillo-Bates – Zia Elementary School
Project: “No More Lost in Translation…Hear Me Out!”
To support English Language Learners and their families, Zia Elementary will implement translation earbuds. These devices will enhance classroom communication and parent engagement, ensuring all families can participate meaningfully in their children’s education.
Randy Saltzmann – Marshall Sixth Grade Academy
Project: “Empowering Students to Explore, Create, and Innovate through STEAM Education” -
A 30-week after-school STEAM Club offering students hands-on learning through coding, 3D printing, engineering design, and more. The club promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving while exposing students to 21st-century careers and technologies.
Shauna Mahaney with Desiree Montoya, Annie Baker, Sharon Douglas, Mikaela Martinez, Stephenie Cox, and Fatima Cardoso – Lockwood Early Childhood Center
Project: “Three by Three, Come Play With Me!”
To support equitable access to early education, this project provides each classroom with a dedicated set of Frog Street curriculum materials for three-year-olds. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, math, and STEAM foundations.
Each of these projects reflects the Foundation’s mission to support innovative teaching and provide meaningful opportunities for students across the district. This year’s winners are invited to attend a special recognition ceremony honoring all Education Initiative Grant winners, to be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Clovis Municipal Schools Administration Office, 1009 Main Street, Clovis, New Mexico.
Additionally, the Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation is proud to launch a new grant opportunity in partnership with the district’s annual theme, “In It to Win It.” These special awards are designed to recognize and support exceptional projects outside the traditional classroom setting that reflect community pride, school spirit, and student engagement.
In its inaugural year, the Foundation has awarded funding to two outstanding programs at Clovis High School whose work exemplifies dedication, excellence, and community impact. This year’s winners are:
Daniel Perez and the Clovis Wildcat Marching Band – Semi Truck Wrap -
With over 250 student members, the Clovis High School Wildcat Marching Band represents the district at competitions across the state and region. This grant supports the cost of wrapping the band’s semi-trailer with a full-color design showcasing the CHS band logo and branding. The trailer not only transports instruments and equipment but now also serves as a rolling display of school pride and professionalism. The project highlights the continued success of a program that has brought home numerous awards and honors for Clovis.
Lester Ball and the CHS JROTC Sabre Team – Make It Special with a Saber Arch
The CHS JROTC Saber Team is known for its powerful performances at school and community events, including the Homecoming Pep Rally, Daddy-Daughter Dance, and regional drill competitions. With sabers that had served cadets for over 20 years, this grant allows the team to purchase a full new set of ceremonial sabers. These updated tools will ensure the team can continue to perform with precision and pride while reinforcing values of service, teamwork, and tradition for the next generation of cadets.
These projects were selected for their ability to inspire, represent, and uplift the Clovis school community beyond the classroom. The CMS Education Foundation looks forward to continuing this new tradition in the years to come.
The CMS Education Foundation encourages families, colleagues, and community members to join in celebrating these educators and the positive impact they are making in Clovis classrooms. An awards reception will be hosted for the winners on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the board room of the Mr. G.C. Ross Administration Building, located at 1009 Main Street in downtown Clovis.
About the CMS Education Foundation:
The Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in Clovis Municipal Schools by funding classroom innovations, enrichment programs, and community partnerships.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Knauer
Executive Director
CMS Education Foundation
(575) 693-1957
info@cmseducationfoundation.org