The law firm of Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. announced MSG (R) Jeffrey Rice of Maryvale High School has been named the September 2021 recipient of the “Burch & Cracchiolo Star Teacher Award.”

MSG Rice has been a JROTC instructor at Maryvale High School for 6 years.

MSG Rice began his career by serving first in the United States Marine Corp for four years followed by serving in the United States Army for 23 years rising to the rank Master Sergeant.  He served in Afghanistan in 2005-2005 and Iraq in 2007-2008 and retired in 2015.

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MSG Rice focuses on leadership, service, and the pursuit of excellence with his students. He believes that every student has the ability to rise above their challenges and be successful.  During COVID, online learning became increasing   challenging for these students and MSG Rice made sure that he reached out to each of his students on an individual basis and worked with them if he noticed that they were failing or falling behind.  He cares for his students the same way he would care for his own children and wants them to become the leaders they are destined to become.

MSG Rice earned his B.A. in 2015 and M.A in 2017 from Grand Canyon University in Leadership Studies.

A Valley teacher is chosen each month to receive $500 through a nominating process on the firm’s website www.bcattorneys.com. Nominations are accepted from students, former students and parents who wish to honor and thank a   teacher who has had a great impact on their life. Many teachers spend their own money to augment the costs of classroom supplies, field trips and other non-covered costs that arise throughout the school year.  B&C hopes to alleviate that    burden for one deserving teacher each month. In addition, the school where the educator teaches receives a check for $250 to be used at their discretion.

Nominations are open to all teachers in K-12 who teach in Maricopa County. Winners will be notified and then presented a check at their school by a member of Burch & Cracchiolo.   Photos and/or video will be taken to post on the firm website and social media.  To nominate go to www.bcattorneys.com,click on the “Nominate a Star Teacher” button and tell us why you think your teacher deserves the B&C Star Teacher Award.