Excellence in Education
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Wild Horse Showroom - 7 p.m. | Open to the Public
About This Event
Join us for the Excellence in Education Awards, a lively celebration honoring exceptional teachers, administrators, staff, and students shaping the future in Tempe-area schools! This annual event unites our community for an inspiring evening filled with heartfelt stories, recognition of outstanding educators and remarkable student achievements, and a shared passion for empowering the next generation. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of celebration at a stunning venue, where we shine a spotlight on those making a difference in education.
See The Details
When
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Where
Wild Horse Showroom
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
Honoring Educators From
View and Download 2024 Event Pictures
2025 Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 Finalists!
Kyrene School District
Class Act
Margarita Gonzalez Cabrera – Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary
Rose Haas – Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
High Impact
Ryan McCormick – Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary
Dori Rabbani – Kyrene Altadena Middle School
Inspiration
Michelle Anderson – Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy
Melissa Campbell – Kyrene Middle School
Leadership
Scott Maxwell – Kyrene Middle School
Jo Shurman – Kyrene District Office
Lifetime Achievement
Carrie Furedy – Kyrene District Office
Ann Leftwich – Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy
Rising Star
Brooke Thomas – Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary
Benjamin Winebrake – Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
Teacher of the Year
Bethany Goshtasbi – Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary
Ryan McCormick – Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary
Abbey Walejko – Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary
Tempe School District Elementary
Class Act
Suzanne Morales – Arredondo Elementary School
Cristina Palmerin – Connolly Middle School
High Impact
Angie Claucherty – Frank Elementary School
Philip Lemar – Connolly Middle School
Inspiration
Helen Donhowe – Broadmor Elementary School
Philip Lemar – Connolly Middle School
Leadership
Patty Malley – Frank Elementary School
Brandon Russell – Arredondo Elementary School
Lifetime Achievement
Philip Lemar – Connolly Middle School
Dr. Gerry Taylor – Connolly Middle School
Rising Star
Habacuc Ortiz – Fees College Preparatory Middle School
Karson Sakalosky – Spracale Elementary School
Teacher of the Year
Jordan Beddo – Fuller Elementary School
Alice Maxwell – Ward Traditional Academy
Nicolette Patterson – Arredondo Elementary School
Tempe District High School
Class Act
Joyce Johnson – McClintock High School
Jesus Rivera – Tempe High School
High Impact
Meg Austin – Mountain Pointe High School
Chris Rooney – Tempe High School
Inspiration
Sean Freeman – Tempe High School
Reagan Guzman – Marcos de Niza High School
Leadership
John Cook – Desert Vista High School
Melinda Coronado – McClintock High School
Lifetime Achievement
Shelly Arredondo – Tempe High School
Elizabeth Stone – TUHSD District Office
Rising Star
Kelsey Kerley – McClintock High School
Melissa McLaughlin – McClintock High School
Teacher of the Year
Nathan Balzer – Tempe High School
Korine Gomez – Marcos de Niza High School
Kim McElwain – McClintock High School
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Event Sponsor
McCarthy Building Companies
Teacher of the Year Sponsor
BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona
Lifetime Achievement Sponsor
Global Credit Union
Rising Star Sponsor
Southwest Mobile Storage
Newspaper Winner Ad
Wood Family Dentist
Registration Sponsor
Next Generation School Business
General Sponsor
Gabriel’s Angels
General Sponsor
Biddle & Brown Fence Company
General Sponsor
GradImages
Watch the Event - 2025
Be Part of Something Big
We look forward to seeing you at this event!
