An honors science instructor at Crismon High School has received a $2,000 grant from a New York-based financial services company

Kaesha Neil is the only teacher in Arizona to be awarded a grant from Voya Financial’s Unsung Heroes awards competition. She was one of 50 winners.

Neil’s teaching idea, “Tools for Data Collection,” enables students who are taking college dual enrollment or AP courses to practice lab skills for collecting quantitative data for statistical analysis.

“Students will analyze and discuss the benefits and limitations of the tools, the difference between data collected (facts) vs. interpretation, and the sources of error/bias in both the tools as well as conclusions drawn by the people using the tools,” a press release from Voya Financial stated.

The Voya Unsung Heroes grant will be used to purchase additional equipment that will allow more small group participation, exploration and learning.

Neil will now compete with the other grant winners for one of three top prizes — an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place from Voya Financial.  

She also recently received an SRP Learning Grant to purchase Vernier sensor equipment for her AP biology students to collect quantitative data on oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethanol production during the making and breakdown of food in plants, yeast and animals.

For 28 years, the Voya Unsung Heroes program has awarded grants to K-12 educators in the United States.

"Many of us have fond memories of the teachers, staff and administrators who encouraged, supported and inspired us. These individuals are the 'best of the best' and have made a meaningful difference in countless lives across our nation," stated Angela Harrell, Voya’s chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer and president of the Voya Foundation, in the release.

Voya has awarded more than $6 million to educators through its nationwide program.