On November 13, 2024, The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with our community partners Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Gilbert Independent at YourValley.Net, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District and the Town of Gilbert, celebrated some of Gilbert's shining stars at the 28th 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,
Cookie Co., DelChuterie, DogHaus Biergarten, DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Gilbert, Garage-East, Native Grill and Wings, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Prep & Pastry 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. This was followed by one of the event's long-standing traditions, a performance by the Highland High School Starlight Serenade, this year also accompanied by dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Gilbert.
When it was time to present the awards, representatives from each community partner personally introduced the recipients, reflecting on professional accomplishments and why they were so deserving of their respective award. The 2024 Gilbert Community Excellence Awards honorees were:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College:
- Educator of the Year: Fabio Correa, Spanish Teacher, Modern Languages & Humanities
- Staff Member of the Year, Flavio Ibarra, Groundskeeper, Williams Campus
Gilbert Independent at YourValley.net :
- Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award: Sharon Kotsonas
- Young Hero Award: Teen Members of the Community Engagement Task Force
- Beautification Award: Heritage District Art Installations (various)
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
- Spirit of Business Award: The Lynch Team at Real Broker
- Visionary Award Presented by Newman Realty: Verde at Cooley Station
- Leon Uhlhorn Chairman's Award, Presented by Strong Tower Insurance Group: Matt Streeper
Gilbert Public Schools:
- Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year:
- Primary - Harry Webb, Teacher, Ashland Ranch Elementary
- Secondary - Austin McIntosh, Teacher, Campo Verde High School
- Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year: Troy Seamster, Assistant Foreman, Disrtrict Warehouse
- Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year: Tina Judd, Mesquite Elementary
Higley Unified School District:
- Educator of the Year Award
- Primary - Adrienne Raleigh, 1st Grade Teacher, San TanElementary
- Secondary - David Nuttall, CTE Video Production Teacher, Higley HighSchool
- Support Staff of the Year: David Carter, Maintenance Technician, Higley Maintenance & Construction Department
- Volunteer of the Year: Brett Wamboldt, Cortina Elementary
Town of Gilbert:
- Employee of the Year: Lauren Hixson, Water Resources Manager
- Municipal Volunteer of the Year: Whitney Connor, Perry High School
- Tim Dorn Public Safety Award: Michael Connor, Division Chief of Special Operations