On November 12, 2025, The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with our community partners Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Independent Newsmedia/Gilbert Independent/YourValley.Net, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District and the Town of Gilbert, celebrated some of Gilbert's shining stars at the 29th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards.
This event, presented by Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa, recognized excellence in business, education, community and volunteerism, with each community partner determining their own honorees.
The evening kicked off on the Veranda of the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert with our Taste of Gilbert Culinary Showcase, where attendees were treated to delicious offerings from some favorite Chamber member restaurants and caterers. Participants in the Taste of Gilbert included Buffalo Wild Wings, DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Gilbert, Garage-East, Nando's Mexican Cafe, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Portillo's, Rosati's Pizza, Sidewinders Subs, Smoothie Kind, Straight to the Plate Catering and Texas Roadhouse.
Emcee JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial, later welcomed attendees into the ballroom where they stood for the presentation of colors by the Higley Unified School District's AFJROTC and national anthem performed by the Higley High School Chamber Singers. After recognizing the generosity and support of our sponsors, one of the event's long-standing traditions, a performance by the Highland High School Starlight Serenade, set the tone for the rest of the evening.
When it was time to present the awards, representatives from each community partner personally introduced the recipients, reflecting on professional accomplishments and personalized stories as to why they were so deserving of their respective award. The 29th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards honorees were:
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce – Business Awards
- Spirit of Business Award: Landings Credit Union
- Visionary Award: Chief Michael Soelberg, Gilbert Police Department
- Leon Uhlhorn Chairman's Award: Christie Boutain, First Western Bank
- Special Recognition: Patrick Banger, Town of Gilbert
Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Education Awards
- Educator of the Year: Kimberly McGee, Program Director, Exercise Science
- Staff Member of the Year: Russell Luce, Director of Athletics
Independent Newsmedia/Gilbert Independent/at YourValley.Net – Community Awards
- Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award: Lisa Abelar, For Your Record
- Young Hero Award: Zadi Perkins, Gilbert High School
- Beautification Award: Water Tower Plaza, Town of Gilbert Parks & Recreation Department
Gilbert Public Schools – Education Awards
- Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year Award:
PRIMARY: Morgan Pardy, P.E. Teacher, Mesquite Elementary School
SECONDARY: Stephanie Campbell, Band Director, Desert Ridge High School
- Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year Award: Mrs. Chen, Paraprofessional, Mesquite Junior High
- Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year Award: Marisa Andrade, Vice President of Mesquite High Football Booster Club
Higley Unified School District – Education Awards
- Educator of the Year Award :
PRIMARY Margaret (Maggie) Silva 6th Grade ELA Teacher, Bridges Elementary School
SECONDARY Taylor Vickers, 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher, Cooley Middle School
- Support Staff of the Year Award: Ethan Haney, Paraeducator II SPED
Higley High School - Volunteer of the Year Award: Rita Baldwin (Grandma Rita)
Chaparral Elementary School
Town of Gilbert – Municipal Awards
- Municipal Employee of the Year: Melanie Dykstra, Volunteer & Community Resources Manager
- Municipal Volunteer of the Year: David Goldman, Gilbert PD Volunteer
- Tim Dorn Public Safety Award: Officer Emily King, Youth Engagement Office, Gilbert PD
- Administrative Support Employee of the Year: Debbie Dana, Executive Management Assistant
Photos courtesy of Meghan Steward Photography
View the full photo gallery HERE.