First Grade Team

Diane Kunz First Grade Teacher

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Tracy Lokken First Grade Teacher

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Madison Lokken-Demecs First Grade Teacher

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Carrie Pennington First Grade Teacher

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Meet The Team

Mrs. Kunz

My name is Diane Kunz. I grew up in Massachusetts and then moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University. I graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor’s in French. I attended the University of Phoenix for my Certificate in Elementary Education. I spend most of my time with my husband, two kids (both Benchmark grads!), and puppy. I’m also an avid reader and coffee enthusiast! I have been teaching for 25 years, 22 years as a first-grade teacher at Benchmark! I absolutely love my teaching team and working with such amazing students and families!

Mrs. Lokken-Demecs

My name is Madison Demecs, formally known as Mrs. Lokken. I attended Benchmark as a student from Kindergarten-6th grade and am privileged to be able to now return as a first grade teacher! I am a wife, as well as a first-time mother to a sweet baby boy named Kopeland. We love spending our time outdoors, camping, fishing or off-roading.

I wholeheartedly believe in Benchmarks foundation, mission, and vision and I am grateful to be at a school that is so special, as well as near and dear to my heart. In my eyes, there is nothing more rewarding than watching children grow and learn!

Mrs. Lokken

Hi! My name is Tracy Lokken and I am a proud parent of four Benchmark Alumni, and now am a first grade teacher at Benchmark. I was born in Missouri, but have lived in Arizona since I was four, so I consider myself a native for the most part. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in education from NAU and this will be my 30th year teaching. I consider it a blessing to work with children and see the development and excitement as they grow.

Mrs.Pennington

My name is Carrie Pennington. I graduated from NAU a long time ago and have been teaching First Grade for 25 years at Benchmark.I have 2 daughters who also attended Benchmark.

My husband and I love to go camping, go to the lake, off-roading, and spending time with our grandchild and soon to be grandchildren.

I love teaching at Benchmark and being with such an awesome First Grade team.