Antoinette Vasquez Business Development Director | Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Antoinette Vasquez Business Development Director | Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
On November 13, 2024, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, alongside Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Gilbert Independent at YourValley.Net, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, and the Town of Gilbert, hosted the 28th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards. The event aimed to honor outstanding contributions in business, education, community service, and volunteerism.
The ceremony began on the Veranda of the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert with a culinary showcase called Taste of Gilbert. Attendees enjoyed dishes from local restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse.
Emcee JW Rayhons introduced guests to the ballroom where they observed a presentation of colors by Higley Unified School District's AFJROTC and listened to the national anthem performed by Higley High School Chamber Singers. A traditional performance followed by Highland High School Starlight Serenade featured dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Gilbert.
Awards were then presented with representatives from each community partner introducing their honorees:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College awarded Fabio Correa as Educator of the Year and Flavio Ibarra as Staff Member of the Year. The Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award went to Sharon Kotsonas through Gilbert Independent at YourValley.net. The Spirit of Business Award was given to The Lynch Team at Real Broker by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
Gilbert Public Schools honored Harry Webb and Austin McIntosh as Educators of the Year for primary and secondary levels respectively. Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Tina Judd from Mesquite Elementary.
Higley Unified School District recognized Adrienne Raleigh and David Nuttall as Educators of the Year for primary and secondary levels respectively. Brett Wamboldt received Volunteer of the Year for Cortina Elementary.
Other notable awards included Employee of the Year going to Lauren Hixson, Municipal Volunteer of the Year awarded to Whitney Connor from Perry High School, and Tim Dorn Public Safety Award presented to Michael Connor for his role as Division Chief of Special Operations.
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