Congratulations to this year's Gilbert Community Excellence Awards Honorees

The evening of November 8, 2023, was filled with celebration as attendees honored those who excel in business, education, and community involvement. A partnership between Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Gilbert Public Schools, Gilbert Independent (Yourvalley.net/Independent Newsmedia), Higley Unified School District, and the Town of Gilbert, this evening was genuinely a community event!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR'S HONOREES:

Chandler- Gilbert Community College:

  • Educator of the Year: Sujatha Krishnaswamy, Chemistry Faculty/Physical Sciences and Engineering
  • Staff Member of the Year: Juan Valdez, HVAC Specialist Senior

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:

  • Spirit of Business Award: Peacock Wine Bar
  • Visionary Award: John Lewis, East Valley Partnership & Former Mayor of the Town of Gilbert
  • Leon Uhlhorn Chairman's Award, Presented by Strong Tower Insurance Group: Jän Simon, Foundation Insurance Services

Gilbert Public Schools:

  • Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year: Milo Hardt, Teacher, Canyon Valley School
  • Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year: Debbie Lopez, Administrative Assistant, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary
  • Mrs. Sheila Rogers Uggetti Volunteer of the Year: Karen Ferrin, GPS Volunteer

Gilbert Independent (Yourvalley.net/Independent Newsmedia):

  • Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award: Fran & Steve Lowder, Light the World Giving Machines
  • Young Hero Award: Jaxson Glover, Brave Gowns
  • Beautification Award: McQueen Activity Center Courtyard

Higley Unified School District:

  • Educator of the Year Award: Karen Edwards, 1st Grade Teacher, Power Ranch Elementary
  • Support Staff of the Year: Vanessa Weaver, HUSD Human Resources Specialist
  • Volunteer of the Year: Dawn Agboola, Gateway Pointe Elementary

Town of Gilbert:

  • Employee of the Year: Susanna Struble, Assistant Town Engineer/Capital Improvement Program Mgr.
  • Inspirational Leader Award: David Fabiano, Town Engineer
  • Municipal Volunteer of the Year: Community Engagement Task Force
  • Tim Dorn Public Safety Award: Officer Michael Kells, Gilbert PD

This event was sponsored by Cigna, with additional support provided by Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, San Tan Ford, Strong Tower Insurance Group, Dignity Health, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Gravity Coffee Company, Rozenhart Family Chiropractic, Senior Helpers of Gilbert & Chandler, and Elaine Kessler Photography.

To view the event photo album, click here.