Congratulations to the 2026 finalists!
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Showroom at Wild Horse Pass - 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
Rising Star
Jacqueline Rios – Ramirez Brisis
Rachel Mertes – Paloma
Class Act
Linh Sullivan – Secretary, Mirada
Frederick Lescher – Instructional Assistant at Kyrene de la Paloma
High Impact
Liz Morris – Miranda Leadership
Michelle Ang – Kyrene Traditional Academy
Inspiration
Finn McLaron – Manitas Kindergarten
Crystal Geno – Cerritos CCD Sped teacher
Leadership
Ashley Schutkowski – Principal at Pueblo MS
Jill Johnson – Humanities/AVID at Aprende MS
Lifetime Achievement
Mary Jane Rincon – District Office
Michele Ferber – Kyrene del Pueblo
Teacher of the Year
Suzi Juetten – Mirada Leadership Academy
Dr. Porshia – Wrschka Aprenda Middle School
Lauren Walimaa – CI Waggoner
Tempe School District Elementary
Rising Star
Jillian McCormick – Scales
Julia Young – Curry
Class Act
Pamela Latham – Instructional Assistant at John J. Curry Elementary School
Sari Philipps – Library Assistant at Connolly Middle School
High Impact
Kaitlynn Dyal – Scales Technology Academy
Alexis Hopper – Cecil Shamley
Inspiration
Maggie Lawrence – Preschool Sped Getz
Dixie Papano – Science McKemy
Leadership
Christina Culbertson – District Counselor Coordinator
Willie Shropshire – AZ Teacher Residency District Coordinator
Lifetime Achievement
Carolyn Zimmerman Rover Elementary
Jennifer Ostrom All TD 3 Schools
Teacher of the Year
Haley TenHope – Curry
Shameka Sampler – Connolly Middle
Cheryl Wiltbank – Cheryl Wiltbank
Tempe District High School
High Impact
Heather Hunt – Castanon Marcos De Niza
Kimberly Bonagofski – Mountain Pointe
Inspiration
Nicole Olmstead – Volunteer McClintock HS
Suzanne Pachuta – Guidance Counsellor Tempe HS
Leadership
Jack Vermeer – Math teacher Mt. Point High School
Rodrigo Palacio – History teacher Tempe High School
Class Act Tempe HS
Manny Torres Osnaya – Security Officer & Varsity Soccer Coach at
Lorrie Budinger – Business Services TUHSD District Office
Lifetime Achievement
Natasha Alston – Mountain Pointe High
Karen Crane – McClintock High
Rising Star
Ricky Livoni – Tempe High
Aubrey Glazier – Mountain Pointe High
Teacher of the Year
Mick Wojciechowicz – Marcos de Niza
Chandra Mitnik – Mountain Pointe
Marcela Campbell – Tempe High
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!
