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.