Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) recently named Marisha Geraghty as the 2025 recipient of the Beth Koehnemann Community Impact Award, in honor of her outstanding contributions to student success, community collaboration, and educator development through the Volunteer in Paradise College Corps (VIPCC) program at Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVSchools).
Named in honor of community trailblazer Beth Koehnemann—whose efforts led to the founding of the Northeast Valley Education Center (now PVCC) in 1985—this award celebrates individuals who embody the power of education, collaboration, and service. Each year, PVCC recognizes those who, like Koehnemann, leave a lasting impact on the Greater Paradise Valley area through community-driven change.
“Beth Koehnemann believed in the power of education and the importance of community-driven change. Marisha embodies that legacy in every sense,” said Education Faculty Meggin Kirk, who presented Geraghty with the award. “Her leadership and dedication have shaped one of PVCC’s most impactful programs, supporting both our students and our local schools. We are proud to carry forward Beth’s spirit through this award and through Marisha’s inspiring work.”
Geraghty was recognized for her exceptional work as coordinator of VIPCC, a collaborative partnership between PVCC and PVSchools. Now in its 19th semester, VIPCC enhances the field service experience for students enrolled in EDU 221 and EDU 222 by placing them in local classrooms for immersive, hands-on experience. Upper-division students also benefit, completing student teaching through PVSchools as part of their education pathway.
For PVSchools educators, the program offers classroom support and professional incentives. Mentor teachers receive recertification credits, while PVCC students gain invaluable, real-world teaching experience, building relationships and professional networks that often lead to future employment within the district.
“While there has been a longstanding relationship between PVSchools and PVCC, it was significantly strengthened with the creation of VIPCC in 2013,” said Geraghty. “Through this program, we’ve built a true strategic partnership over the past 12 years that provides meaningful field service experiences to first- and second-year college students who are exploring teaching as a possible career. It has been truly amazing to engage some of the youngest members of our community to serve public schools.”
In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, 95 PVCC students contributed a remarkable 2,220 volunteer hours in PVSchools classrooms. Since its inception, the program has supported more than 500 students and 50 PVSchools educators across 320 classrooms.
“With guidance from Meggin Kirk and other PVCC instructors, VIPCC has helped develop some of the finest future educators,” Geraghty added. “It’s a true win-win. We’re building a strong teacher pipeline with the highest quality candidates, while providing real support to current classroom teachers. It’s also one of the favorite aspects of my job—I’ve truly loved working with PVCC staff and students.”
VIPCC offers a well-rounded and supportive structure that includes:
- Orientation to PVSchools
- Field trips to observe classroom dynamics
- Access to the PVSchools Center for Teacher Development
- Individualized placements with mentor teachers
- Ongoing coaching and semester check-ins
- Invitations to district events and professional development
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Letters of recommendation to support future employment
As PVCC continues to elevate programs grounded in community and service, the Beth Koehnemann Community Impact Award remains a powerful reminder of how one individual’s vision can shape generations. To learn more about PVCC’s Education programs, visit www.paradisevalley.edu. For information on VIPCC, visit pvschools.net/vip.