Arizona State Senator Martin Quezada is Recognized with National Award for Excellence from The American Consortium for Equity in Education for his work with the Pendergast Elementary School District Governing Board

PHOENIX ― December 1, 2022 ― Pendergast Elementary School District and the Excellence in Equity Awards are pleased to announce that Senator Martin Quezada has been chosen as a winner in the category: Champion of Equity - District Leadership for his service on the Pendergast Governing Board

This competitive awards program presented by the American Consortium for Equity in Education received more than 160 total nominations from across the U.S., plus a number of submissions from abroad. After the judges’ review, Mr. Quezada was selected as a winning nominee based on outstanding achievement in supporting educational equity for all learners. 

“It’s an honor and a privilege—and just plain exciting—to announce the winners of the inaugural Excellence in Equity Awards program,” said Ross Romano, Program Chair of the Excellence in Equity Awards and Strategic Advisor to the American Consortium for Equity in Education. “Over the past handful of months, we’ve observed consistent interest in the program and in the overall mission of ensuring equitable opportunity for all students as a non-negotiable priority. Each of our nominees deserves our praise for their daily efforts, and we are especially pleased to recognize our winners.”

Senator Quezada has served on the PESD Governing Board for eleven consecutive years and has exhibited leadership throughout his involvement as a chairperson on numerous committees. He has played a significant role in the district’s efforts to provide equitable educational opportunities to all students at PESD and played a significant role in bringing the ASU Prep Digital accredited online school to the district.

"I am so grateful to have received this award. Uplifting equity in my district and across the state of Arizona has been one of my highest priorities in my time serving at the legislature,” said Senator Quezada. “Our state has a long history of neglecting those most in need. From the governor's office to each of our school boards, every elected official has the responsibility to look beyond their own interest and serve each constituent equally. Again, my sincere thanks to the American Consortium for Equity in Education for this honor."

As an award winner, he will receive benefits and recognition including:

• His choice of professional development books provided to the Pendergast Elementary School District courtesy of awards program publishing partner Times 10 Publications
• An invitation to be a guest on EduTalk Radio, the Consortium’s flagship podcast
• An invitation to write an online article for the Access & Equity K-12 Journal
• A spotlight feature in the January special issue of the Journal dedicated to award winners
• A choice of complimentary e-book from Times 10 Publications
• Social media spotlights 

Each nominee, finalist, and winner of the Excellence in Equity Awards has made invaluable contributions to improving opportunity and outcomes for students. Visit ace-ed.org to learn more about all the winners and contact [email protected] to learn about getting involved with future programs. 

Additionally, Dr. Ovett Chapman Jr. also of Pendergast Elementary School District was also named a Champion of Equity in the category for Mental Health Professional.  

About the Excellence in Equity Awards

The Excellence in Equity Awards program recognizes the companies, nonprofits, leaders, and educators whose work contributes to the critical goal of ensuring access and equity for every learner. Learn more at www.ace-ed.org/awards.

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Tweet: Senator Martin Quezada (Arizona) wins Excellence in Equity award from AC&E  @access2equityed. Named “Campion of Equity - District Leadership” for his dedication to Pendergast Elementary School District. #education #hero #edchat

Summary: Arizona State Senator Martin Quezada named Champion of #Equity - District Leadership for his service to Pendergast Elementary School District. Wins Excellence in Equity Award from the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

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