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Best in Class

The Pete & Thomas Foundation is dedicated to addressing the significant challenges faced by college students and public school educators as they navigate financial hardships, limited technological resources, and rapidly changing professional landscapes.


Powered by Toyota, the P&T Best in Class Award is supporting accomplished and driven public school teachers and college students.


This award recognized 10 exceptional individuals by providing financial assistance to help them pursue their educational and professional goals.


Meet the five public school teachers and the five college students who will receive $5,000 grants.

Introducing Our 5 Teachers

Arlina Garcia


Arlina Garcia is a U.S. history teacher with nearly eight years of experience at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center High School in Houston, Texas. She is using her grant to fund classroom supplies and cover fees for the University of Houston's Principal Certification Program, which prepares aspiring leaders for school management and instructional improvement.

Melissa ‘Summer’ Jacobsen


Melissa ‘Summer’ Jacobsen, an experienced educator at Roseland Park Elementary in Picayune, Mississippi, will use her grant to attend the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference. The conference will provide Jacobsen with research-based strategies to foster student engagement and belonging that will ensure her students feel seen, heard, and loved.

Christen Moore


Christen Moore, an educator at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell, Virginia, will use this grant to pursue a Mental Health Support Professional certification at Virginia State University. This program will provide training in healthcare and mental health support within an educational setting that will allow her to better support her students' emotional needs and overall well-being.

Felicia Woodard


Felicia Woodard, a veteran special education teacher with 14 years of experience at Houston's Bastian Elementary, specifically teaching SLC-ALT, will use this grant for the Verbal and Physical Intervention Program through Handle with Care. She aims to implement humane, efficient methods that reduce harm, fostering a safer learning environment where students interact without fear.

Anthony Frazier Jr.


Anthony Frazier Jr., an educator with 15+ years at Arlington Career Center, is using his grant for the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Accelerated Initial Certification Program at Air Trek North. This training focuses on instructional methods and FAA regulations, which will allow him to provide FAA-recognized flight instruction to his students. 

Introducing Our 5 STUDENTS

Sayeda Ali


Sayeda Ali is a sophomore at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Sayeda will use this grant to continue her studies to become a nurse. While working as a Certified Surgical Technologist, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned placement on the President’s List, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and commitment to her goals.

MIYA DENNIS


Miya Dennis is a sophomore attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. This grant award supports her educational and professional goals as she works toward becoming an attorney. Miya is recognized not only for her academic achievements, but also for her leadership abilities, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on campus.

Desean Gray-Biggs


Desean Gray-Biggs is a freshman at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Business in Marketing at the institution's main campus in San Antonio, Texas. As a grant award winner, Desean is recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and creative goals. He will use his creativity as a form of expression and a tool for opportunity to open doors of artistry, storytelling, and business.

Natalie Marie


Natalie Marie is a sophomore student at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Natalie has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength as she pursues a degree in psychology. She maintains a 3.8 GPA and is active in her college community. This award will alleviate financial hardships and support her long-term goal of becoming a child therapist.

Kendell Petteway


Kendell Petteway is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin. Her selection as a grant winner highlights her dedication and her active role as a student leader on campus. She is studying exercise sciences with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist. Inspired by personal experiences with recovery and caregiving, she is committed to helping others heal physically and emotionally while rebuilding their sense of normalcy.

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