Scottsdale-based firm, DeFusco Law, has awarded a record amount of stipends for its bi-annual “Classroom Supply Stipend” program, which gives certified teachers $300 for classroom supplies in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

Eighteen teachers will receive the funds to help supply their classrooms for the 2021 fall semester, according to a press release from DeFusco Law, which represents accident victims and their families.

Bryn K. DeFusco, founded DeFusco Law with her husband, Andy, in 2016. They started the Classroom Supply Stipend in 2018 and  have donated more than $25,000 for certified teachers to use in  Scottsdale K-12 classrooms.

Usually issuing stipends to 10 teachers annually, this year, proceeds were used from a recently settled claim to fund additional stipends, the release said, adding the referral came from a SUSD community member allowing the DeFuscos to fund more stipends, the release said.

“We are honored and proud to support our local educators,” said Bryn K. DeFusco in a prepared statement “Supporting education is our passion.”

Stipend recipients include:

• Susan Barnes, Hohokam Elementary;
• Dawndy Bendet, Anasazi Elementary;
• Sara Cain, Coronado High;
• Marcia DeMuro, Cocopah Middle;
• Chloe Flitton, Hohokam Elementary;
• Carline Fried, Cocopah Middle;
• Katie Honeycutt, Desert Canyon Elementary;
• Malcolm Leinwhol, Chaparral High;
• Marissa Palmer, Coronado High;
• Lisa Port, Echo Canyon K-8;
• Noel Rosenthal, Chaparral High;
• Paula Slamowitz, Tonalea K-8;
• Alexandra Valenzuela, Tonalea K-8;
• Jennifer Wells, Echo Canyon K-8;
• Robin Wiley, Navajo Elementary;
• William Williams, Tonalea K-8;
• Brandy Wilson, Navajo Elementary; and
• Rhonda Witherspoon, Ingleside Middle.

Also, Treasures 4 Teachers, a member-based resource and supply store for Arizona educators, will provide free memberships to every Classroom Supply Stipend recipient. The organization offers educators access to such things as free materials, training and resources to enhance the learning process, according to the release.