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San Mateo, CA, June 1, 2026—California Casualty delivers $13,000 in grants to public middle and high schools in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon and Wyoming. Since its inception in 2010, the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant Program has given $880,650 to financially burdened athletics programs in public schools across the country.

The grant program was named for California Casualty Chairman Emeritus Tom Brown, an avid sportsman who experienced the positive impact of playing sports as a youth. He believed what coaches and educators have confirmed: lessons learned on athletic fields – teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship – translate to the classroom and beyond.

Matthew Zgonc, Manteca Educator’s Association member and teacher at Calla High School, Manteca, CA, wrote in his application that since re-implementing the athletic program 2 years ago the graduation rate increased 10% along with student confidence and attendance rates. Matthew and his Principal Dennis Foster stated “We are grateful for this grant. As a small continuation school rebuilding our athletics program, this support will help us reach our goals and directly benefit our students.” Calla High School was one of 13 schools to receive $1,000 athletics grants this school year.

New for the 2026/2027 school year, California Casualty will be accepting applications from public elementary schools in addition to public middle and high schools. With the inclusion of elementary schools, Bianca Odom, AVP Strategic Account Manager, expects an increased interest in the grant program. “We’ve heard from educators that elementary schools are increasingly offering competitive sports, yet they often lack the budgets needed for essential equipment and gear. Supporting athletics at earlier grade levels helps build skills, confidence, and a love of sports that carries forward into middle and high school.”

Public elementary, middle and high schools whose sports programs have been impacted by budget restrictions and limited fundraising opportunities can apply for a $1,000 Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant at www.calcasathletics.com. The deadline for consideration is January 15, 2027.

2025/2026 Thomas R. Brown Athletic Grant Recipients

Calla High School, Manteca, CA
Matthew Zgonc, Manteca Educator’s Association
Co-ed Basketball, Football, Soccer and Volleyball – Equipment and uniforms 

Hilltop Middle School, Chula Vista, CA
Aida Barraza, Sweetwater Education Association
Girls Soccer Program – Soccer balls and uniforms

Glacier Point Middle School, Fresno, CA
William Thomas, Central Unified Teachers Association
Girls and Boys Tennis – Tennis balls, uniforms and foldable bench with shade

Lindhurst High school, Olivehurst, CA
Troy Spangler, Marysville Unified Teachers Association
Football – Equipment

Buena Park High School, Buena Park, CA
Laura Garcia, Fullerton Secondary Teachers Organization
Girls Tennis – Equipment and uniforms

Monte Vista Middle School, Monte Vista, CO
Tate Smith, Monte Vista County Education Association
Cross Country and Track & Field – Uniforms

Skyview High School, Thornton, CO
Lucas Taylor, Mapleton Education Association
Girls Tennis – Matching uniforms and warm-ups

Fairmont Junior High School, Boise, ID
Terance King, Boise Education Association
Track and Field – Field supplies, track spikes and uniforms

Campus High School, Wichita, KS
Amy Driskill, Haysville Education Association
Cross Country – Matching school owned warm-ups

Alice Ott Middle School, Portland, OR
Ana Enriquez, David Douglas Education Association
Volleyball Team – Jerseys

Thermopolis Middle School, Thermopolis, WY
Toby Emery, WEA Thermopolis
Middle School Wrestling – Warm-ups              

About California Casualty
Founded in 1914 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to education professionals, firefighters, law enforcement, nurses, and other employee groups. Learn more about California Casualty at www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.