CalRTA Awards $800 in Classroom Grants to Local Educators

Susan Breyer — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

At its October 14 luncheon at the Seven Hills Members Club in Hemet, Division 33 of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) randomly selected four lucky local educators to receive its first round of $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants. Public school teachers in the Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Romoland, Nuview, and MSJC districts are eligible to apply for these grants, which are awarded in October, December, February, and April.
CalRTA’s mission is to protect and advocate for the pensions and retirement benefits of both retired and active educators, while also supporting public education funding in local communities. The awarding of teacher grants is just one way CalRTA demonstrates its commitment to public education.
Recipients of the Division 33 $100 Teacher Grants included:

• Esperanza Laura, Hemet Elementary School (TK–5): “Thank you so much for the $100 check. I was in a classroom supporting our 4th graders with their writing. I will use the grant prize money to encourage our teachers and students to use the Building Thinking Classrooms approach to learning by purchasing any materials needed. CalRTA, your support is greatly appreciated!”

Esperanza Laura – Hemet Elementary School, Hemet – Esperanza Laura of Hemet Elementary holds her $100 CalRTA Teacher Grant, awarded to support Building Thinking Classrooms materials for her students.

• Herman Hilkey, San Jacinto Leadership Academy – Magnet, San Jacinto (10th grade): Mr. Hilkey, shown here with Principal Michael Luna, plans to use the $100 grant for “robot parts for our Engineering Club. We have robots and need replacement brains that are newer”—essential for keeping the club’s robots functional and compatible with current technology.

Herman Hilkey – San Jacinto Leadership Academy – Magnet, San Jacinto: Herman Hilkey of the San Jacinto Leadership Academy is presented with his $100 CalRTA Teacher Grant, which he’ll use to purchase updated robotics parts for the Engineering Club.

• Nataly Orozco, Romoland Elementary School (Special Education): “Thank you so much, CalRTA, for the award! I plan on using the grant money to purchase items to support my students’ sensory needs, such as chewy necklaces, a weighted lap pad, fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and therapy putty.”

Nataly Orozco – Romoland Elementary School, Romoland
Nataly Orozco of Romoland Elementary proudly displays her CalRTA
Teacher Grant, which she’ll use to support her students’ sensory needs.

• Gary Thrapp, Hans Christensen Middle School, Menifee (6th–8th grade History): “Thank you very much for the $100 grant check. I am excited to use it for classroom incentives and projects and to help create a more positive environment for my students. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s support.”
In addition to the four Division 33 recipients, two local educators received $100 Teacher Grants from the CalRTA State organization. Division 33 matched each state grant with an additional $100, bringing the total to $200 for each teacher to use in their classroom.

Gary Thrapp – Hans Christensen Middle School, Menifee – Gary Thrapp, History teacher at Hans Christensen Middle School, smiles after receiving his $100 CalRTA Teacher Grant to enhance classroom incentives and projects.

• Jacinda Coats, Education Specialist at Park Hill Elementary School, San Jacinto: Jacinda plans to use the $200 to purchase sensory equipment for her classroom. She is pictured with CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents Ron and Sue Breyer.

Jacinda Coats – Park Hill Elementary School, San Jacinto – Jacinda Coats, Education Specialist at Park Hill Elementary School, receives her $200 CalRTA Teacher Grant from Division 33 Co-Presidents Ron and Sue Breyer.

• Vanessa Fowler, 5th Grade Teacher at Táawila Elementary School, Menifee: Upon receiving her $200 grant, Ms. Fowler said, “I deeply appreciate the work CalRTA does to support educators, and I’m excited to put this grant to good use for our Táawila students.” She is pictured with Principal Dr. Rose Pike (left) and CalRTA Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer.

Vanessa Fowler – Táawila Elementary School, Menifee – Táawila Elementary 5th grade teacher Vanessa Fowler celebrates her $200 CalRTA Teacher Grant with Principal Dr. Rose Pike (left) and CalRTA Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer (right).

For more information about the California Retired Teachers Association state organization, visit calrta.org. To learn more about local CalRTA Division 33, go to div33.calrta.org or email them at calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

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CalRTA Awards $800 in Classroom Grants to Local Educators