What an honor last night at the Gilbert Community Excellence Awards! I have attended these event several times through the years. The past two years I had the privilege of being able to present the awards to the Gilbert honorees. However, this year was incredibly special to me. GPS decided to name the awards for three people. The teacher of the year is now named the Wally Delecki Teacher of the Year. I can't think of anyone who should be honored more than Wally. Classified staff is named after Sharon Orr, one of the most incredible classified staff members ever in GPS and a dear friend. But for me to be included, was so touching. The volunteer of the year is now named the Sheila Rogers Uggetti award. I am humbled by this.
As always, the evening was incredible and many community members were honored for their service in so many areas. It was so nice for me to have Dave go with me. He continues to be impressed with the Gilbert community.
Sponsored by APS, this formal evening is filled with celebration as attendees honor those in the community who have excelled in the areas of business, education and community involvement. A partnership between the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the Town of Gilbert and the Republic Media, the evening is truly a community event!
This event features Gilbert's Culinary Showcase with samplings provided by some of your local, favorite restaurants. A cash bar will be available for the purchase of soda, beer, and wine. Culinary showcase participants include Buffalo Wild Wings, Sushi Brokers, Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant, Zappone's Italian Bistro, Arizona BBQ, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Wildflower Bread Company,The Nitro Live Icecreamery and Garage East.
**Please note, the event will not include an intermission this year. The Culinary Showcase will only be open from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Please take this opportunity to enjoy dinner and dessert samplings. The coffee station and cash bar will be open throughout the program.
2018 Award Recipients
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Sue Gaumont, Educator of the Year Award
Julie Wright, Staff Member of the Year Award
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Newman Realty, Spirit of Business Award
Former Mayor Cynthia Dunham, Visionary Award
Jan Newton, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Leon Uhlhorn Chairman's Award
Gilbert Public Schools
Vicki Willems, The Dr. Wally Delecki Educator of the Year Award
Sherry Hornby, The Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year Award
Dawn Romero, The Mrs. Sheila Rogers Uggetti Volunteer of the Year Award
Higley Unified School District
Sarah Beimfohr, Educator of the Year Award
Angie Marqueling, Support Staff of the Year Award
Bob Lilienthal with Plato & Socrates, Volunteer of the Year Award
The Gilbert Republic
Nationwide Realty Investors-Rivulon Project, Beautification Award
Paul Norbut, The Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award
Town of Gilbert
James Nelson, Tim Dorn Public Safety Award
Larry Taylor, Mayor’s Municipal Employee of the Year Award
Jim Frazier, Municipal Volunteer of the Year Award
