On November 12, 2025, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, along with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Independent Newsmedia/Gilbert Independent/YourValley.Net, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, and the Town of Gilbert, hosted the 29th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards. The event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert.
The awards ceremony recognized achievements in business, education, community service, and volunteerism. Each partner organization selected its own honorees for recognition.
The evening began with a Taste of Gilbert Culinary Showcase on the hotel’s veranda. Attendees sampled food from several local restaurants and caterers that are members of the Chamber. Participating businesses 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.
JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial served as emcee for the evening. The program opened with a presentation of colors by Higley Unified School District’s AFJROTC and a national anthem performance by Higley High School Chamber Singers. After acknowledging sponsors’ contributions to the event’s success—an established tradition—a musical number from Highland High School Starlight Serenade was presented.
Representatives from each partner organization introduced their award recipients during the ceremony. They shared professional achievements and personal stories about why each honoree was chosen.
The list of awardees included:
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/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 at Mesquite Elementary School); Secondary: Stephanie Campbell (Band Director at Desert Ridge High School)
– Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year Award: Mrs. Chen (Paraprofessional at Mesquite Junior High)
– Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year Award: Marisa Andrade (Vice President at Mesquite High Football Booster Club)
Higley Unified School District – Education Awards:
– Educator of the Year—Primary: Margaret Silva (6th Grade ELA Teacher at Bridges Elementary School); Secondary: Taylor Vickers (7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher at Cooley Middle School)
– Support Staff of the Year Award: Ethan Haney (Paraeducator II SPED at Higley High School)
– Volunteer of the Year Award: Rita Baldwin (“Grandma Rita” at Chaparral Elementary School)
Additional municipal awards were given to Melanie Dykstra as Municipal Employee of the Year; David Goldman as Municipal Volunteer of the Year; Officer Emily King received The Tim Dorn Public Safety Award; and Debbie Dana was named Administrative Support Employee of the Year.
The event highlighted contributions made by individuals and organizations throughout various sectors in Gilbert.
