Candice Wadding walked into Verrado High School on an ordinary Monday morning, expecting a routine day of teaching physical education. By the end of the day, she had experienced a moment she will never forget.
Summoned to an administrator’s office under the pretense of discussing an upcoming observation, Wadding was asked to follow her administrator to the school gym. As she stepped inside, she was greeted by a confetti cannon blast, the cheers of her students, and a sea of yellow jackets worn by representatives from Fiesta Bowl Charities.
Her heart raced as the announcement echoed through the gym: her wish had been granted. Wadding had won a $2,500 grant as part of the Fiesta Bowl Charities’ “Wishes for Teachers” program. Her application to purchase iPads for her strength and conditioning classes was officially funded.
“I was completely taken aback,” Wadding told InBuckeye. “It was such an incredible surprise — something I’ll cherish forever. To know that I can bring this kind of resource to my students is amazing.”
Wadding, who has been teaching in the Buckeye area since 2007 and joined Verrado High School in 2013, has always been driven by a passion for helping students grow. A graduate of Arizona State University, she said she feels deeply connected to the community.
“I’ve been here long enough to see this community grow, and it’s been an honor to be part of that journey,” she said.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in innovation and adaptability, especially after witnessing how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted students’ physical activity levels.
“During the pandemic, students became more sedentary,” Wadding said. “Now, it’s more important than ever to get them moving again and teach them the value of staying active.”
The grant will allow Wadding to purchase eight iPads, complete with protective cases and charging ports. Students will use apps like Team Builder to log their workouts, track weightlifting performance, and set measurable goals. These tools not only add a technological edge to fitness classes but also teach data analysis, creating a cross-curricular learning experience.
“The iPads will really push students to understand their own fitness journeys,” Wadding said. “They’ll see how tracking progress can motivate them to set and achieve higher goals. It’s more than just gym class — it’s about developing life skills.”
Looking ahead, Wadding hopes to secure additional resources, such as velocity boxes, to further enhance her fitness program. These tools would allow students to monitor their lifting intensity, helping them optimize workouts safely and effectively.
Beyond her teaching role, Wadding is deeply invested in her community. A coach for the school’s badminton team since 2017, she has led her athletes to significant success, including a top-six state ranking in Division II. She also works as the district’s physical education content facilitator, a role that enables her to bring innovative ideas to campuses across the district.
As Buckeye grows, so does the pride of its residents and educators like Wadding.
“Buckeye is such an incredible place,” she said. “I love my students, their families, and the opportunity to make a difference every day. This grant just shows what’s possible when we all work together to create something amazing.”
