Kyrene Traditional Academy

Have a safe and fun summer from this crazy crew! See you back on July 22nd!

Moving on up Assembly

Kyrene School District Principal an Inaugural Inductee
to Arizona Education Hall of Fame

TEMPE, Arizona (May 22, 2026) Kyrene Traditional Academy Principal Dr. Marianne Lucas Lescher has been named the first Education Leader of the Year inductee to the newly formed Arizona Education Hall of Fame, established by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF).

“It is an incredible honor to be named as an inaugural member of the Arizona Education Hall of Fame, Dr. Lescher said. “As a lifelong educator, I am representing the hard work and dedication of the teachers, staff, students and families I have been honored to serve throughout my 30 years in the Kyrene School District. I am so proud to share the stories and successes of public schools across our state.”

The Arizona Education Hall of Fame is a new statewide recognition honoring individuals whose vision, leadership, and dedication have and continue to shape public education in Arizona. It will recognize educators, administrators, advocates, and community leaders whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on students, schools, and communities statewide. From classroom teachers who inspired generations to leaders who advanced innovation and access, the Hall of Fame will serve as a permanent tribute to those who have elevated public education in Arizona.

“The story of public education in Arizona has been written by extraordinary individuals who believed deeply in the power of learning to change lives,” said Kim Graham, CEO of the Arizona Educational Foundation. “AEF was founded by legendary Arizonans Carolyn Warner, Eddie Basha, and Bill Shover, who believed in the power of public education to transform lives. The Arizona Education Hall of Fame ensures those stories are never lost. It’s about honoring the shoulders we stand on—and inspiring the next generation of educators and leaders to carry that legacy forward.”

After an incredible 30-year career in the Kyrene School District, Dr. Lescher will retire at the end of this school year. In her 26 years serving as a principal, Dr. Lescher has earned numerous awards. Most recently, she was named Arizona’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal. Two schools she has led have been named Arizona A+ School of Excellence on six occasions. For the last 14 years, she has served as principal of Kyrene Traditional Academy. In 2011, she led the school’s transition from an elementary school into a traditional model kindergarten through 8th grade school. Also under her leadership, Kyrene Traditional Academy was the first in the district to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2015.

The inaugural inductees to the Arizona Education Hall of Fame will be honored at AEF’s Back to School Breakfast on August 7, 2026 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

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Kyrene School District is one of the top elementary school districts in Arizona, comprised of 25 schools (17 elementary, six middle, two K-8). The District’s boundaries encompass all of Ahwatukee, parts of Chandler, Tempe, Guadalupe and the Gila River Indian Community. Kyrene enrolls approximately 13,000 students annually, offering many educational choices to enhance learning (arts integration, dual language, traditional, college preparatory, leadership, and gifted.) Kyrene also offers a variety of on-site community programs before/after school and during school breaks. To learn more, visit kyrene.org or call 480-541-1000.

On Monday this week, KTA hosted a Girls in Sports Assembly with special guest Callie Hinder. Callie is a former KTA student who just wrapped up her first semester at the University of Arizona. She is on a full-ride scholarship playing for the UA Women's Basketball Team. She talked about what sports meant to her growing up, how she handles losing, her favorite thing about being part of a team, and the recruiting process for college. She also discussed topics like how to handle social media as an athlete, and how to overcome body image insecurities. Hopefully, several of our KTA girls came home and talked about her visit and it sparks a desire for them to get involved in sports that aren't played on a TV. We can't wait to see Callie on the court next year!