For Diane Allen, books are more than stories – they're gifts. 
 
That belief, and the desire to provide books to all her students at Village Meadows Elementary, a Title I school in Phoenix, is what led her to apply for Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers and turned a $2,500 wish into a day her students won't forget.
 
"Ever since I was a kid, I've enjoyed reading, and I would notice kids in my class as I was growing up who had difficulty. I would try to help whenever I could," said Allen. "The enjoyment of books is such a pleasure and a gift."
 
Allen always knew that teaching would be a significant part of her life. Her mother and brother are both teachers, and she has been continuing that legacy for the last 18 years, including 14 within the Valley. 
 
One of Allen's favorite parts about her teaching career is bringing storytelling to life within the classroom. Her wish – to host an interactive event with a children's author and to provide her students with books that they could call their own – exemplifies this.
 
In February, Allen's wish officially came to life. Village Meadows hosted a day-long event with children's author Terri Fields, including a 45-minute interactive session with each grade level. Younger students learned how to make reading more fun using character voices, gestures and noises. Older children received guidance and encouragement on how to bring their own stories to life, then had the opportunity to work with Fields to draft their own short stories. Every student received a book to take home.
 
"I love the way [Fields] built the excitement for each book that we handed out, so the students were looking forward to taking it home and reading it," said Allen. "It's something they felt ownership of – like, 'oh, this is my book!'"













Allen expressed her gratitude to Fiesta Sports Foundation for supporting educators and providing the resources to enhance her students' learning both in and out of the classroom. Allen was one of 540 teachers who had their wishes granted in 2025-26.
 
"I was just really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Fiesta Family, to be able to do that for the kids," said Allen. "I never thought I would win, and then I got the call!"
 
The impact of Allen's wish didn't stop with Fields' visit. Village Meadows recently launched Elevate and Read 180, a new program supporting students in grades four through six with reading comprehension and fluency. The books from Allen's reading event are finding a second life with the program.
 
"It's well-rounded, and I like it because students feel successful," said Allen. "We always chart our data so they can always see their improvements, and that's powerful for them."
 
Teaching at a Title I school, Allen shared that many of her students are experiencing disadvantages or may grow up with limited beliefs about what they can achieve. She works hard to ensure her impact on her students goes beyond the classroom, offering encouragement, reassurance and important resources – like the new books – to ensure her students feel valued.
 
"When they do make progress, that's always a validation for me that it's working," said Allen.
 
Perhaps the most validating moment in her career came not in the classroom – but in passing from a former student, now in college, who stopped Allen to extend her heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for having her as a teacher.
 
"That just solidified it for me – the pride and great feelings it brings when you can help a student and give them lifelong learning," said Allen. "Something that they take with them, and I felt like I was able to provide that sort of a turning point for her."
 
Allen's story is one of more than 3,000 that have been made possible by Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers since 2016. Educators across the Valley are invited to submit their wishes – like Allen's author visit that turned into books for her students to call their own – now through September 30.
 
Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers are encouraged to fill out the 10-minute application by clicking here. Winners will be notified at Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP on Wednesday, November 18.