Emerson Celebrates New Media Center
with ASU, Big 12 and CFP Foundation

Emerson Elementary was filled with excitement and confetti as we unveiled our newly remodeled media center! Generous funding from the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Extra Yards for Teachers program and the Big 12 Conference made this possible. 

The event kicked off with an energy-filled ribbon-cutting ceremony led by our Principal, Nicholas Lodato, alongside several enthusiastic 4th and 5th graders. Representatives from the Big 12, CFP, School Specialty, and Arizona State University (ASU) joined in on the fun. This collaboration, in part, is in honor of ASU joining the Big 12 Conference. 

In a special moment, Master Teacher Adam Lovelady was awarded a check for $1,000 by the CFP Foundation on behalf of the Big 12, recognizing his exceptional contributions to our school community, and  School Specialty awarded Principal Lodato with a generous check of $1,000 for Emerson.

After the unveiling, ASU student-athletes guided Emerson students through a series of fun activities in the gym, including races inspired by “red light, green light,” where the commands were “Go” and “Devils.” Our aspiring athletes also took part in a free throw contest, with students becoming part of ASU’s Curtain of Distraction.

In a highlight of the day, PE teacher, Megan Breckenridge, faced off against ASU’s Mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil, in a push-up contest—and emerged victorious! Keep training, Sparky; the competition is fierce!

Adding to the excitement, a staff member from the G-Road after school program, Olympic athlete Freddie Crittenden, challenged students to a race, awarding each winner one of the sleeves he wears during competitions.

The day wrapped up with an acknowledgment of our dedicated teachers, who received a round of applause from students, along with gifts from the CFP Foundation in appreciation of their hard work. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, and shoutout to the CFP Foundation, Big 12, and School Specialty for supporting our educational initiatives. We are excited to see how our new media center will inspire learning and creativity at Emerson!