Rotary Honors Sedona’s Outstanding Teachers of the Year

The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks honored three dedicated educators with its Teacher of the Year awards during a meeting on May 7. Carianna Leifland, a middle school teacher at Sedona Charter School; Kelly Cadigan, a fourth-grade teacher at West Sedona School; and Mariah McElrath, an English teacher at Sedona Red Rock High School, received the accolades for their exceptional contributions to education.

Janene Heidelberg, Chairwoman of the Teacher of the Year Committee, expressed gratitude for teachers’ efforts in inspiring and motivating students. “They often invest their own resources to enrich activities and foster student confidence,” she stated. The Rotary Club has been recognizing Sedona teachers since 2007, with this honor including a plaque and a $500 award.

Carianna Leifland

Leifland commented on her recognition, saying, “It’s a huge honor to be recognized.” This year marks her first as a leader, which she describes as a blend of challenges and blessings. As her school transitions away from a middle school program due to declining enrollment, she remains committed to her students and will teach grades four through six in the coming fall.

“Leifland connects with students, becoming a dependable figure for those facing difficulties,” noted SCS Executive Director Amy Fultz. Leifland intends to utilize her honorarium for her daughter and for savings.

Kelly Cadigan

Cadigan has been a presence at West Sedona School since fall 2020, beginning in a combined second- and third-grade class. In addition to her teaching role, she coaches the afterschool Girls on the Run program, emphasizing physical fitness and empowerment for young women. The program is preparing for its next 5K event slated for November 8.

“Cadigan represents the type of educator we aim to promote within our school system,” Superintendent Tom Swaninger stated. Her innovative lessons include practical skills like sewing and nurturing baby chicks. “This experience had a significant impact on her students, allowing them to engage actively in their learning,” she remarked.

Cadigan plans to allocate her honorarium toward student care packages filled with helpful items, as well as funding her pursuit of a master’s degree in education.

Mariah McElrath

At Sedona Red Rock High School, McElrath teaches freshman and sophomore English and AP English Literature while also mentoring the cheerleading team and National Honor Society. Principal Heather Isom praised her for her seamless transition into teaching, emphasizing her preparedness and dedication.

Retiring Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karyl Goldsmith noted McElrath’s rapid acclimation during her student teaching. “She engaged with students immediately and has taken on AP Literature challenges, exemplifying her readiness for the role,” Goldsmith added.