Pima, Tucson Honor Students, Educators, and Community Leaders

On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Southern Arizona Education Council hosted the second annual return of Evening to Empower Ed at the Pima Community College Aviation Technology Center, continuing a decades-long tradition of recognizing extraordinary service to education across Tucson and greater Pima County.

Building on the legacy of the Crystal Apple Awards, the evening brought together students, educators, counselors, administrators, public officials, families, and community partners to celebrate those whose work helps learners and communities thrive. Presented by Vantage West Credit Union and hosted by Pima Community College, the event coincided with College Decision Day and the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, adding special significance to the evening’s recognition of students and educators alike. The event also highlighted a major milestone for educator preparation in Southern Arizona: Pima Community College’s launch of its first-ever Bachelor of Arts in Education this fall.

In opening the evening, Southern Arizona Education Council President and CEO Rocque Perez reflected on the significance of continuing the tradition in a moment of strain and uncertainty for public education. “This is not an easy time to work, study, or lead in education,” Perez said. “I do not want to pretend tonight exists outside of that reality. But I also want to say clearly: this evening is our answer to it.”

Perez also described the event as a public affirmation of the people who continue to show up for learners in spite of those pressures.

“Tonight, we will recognize coaches who gave a year of service to their peers. We will celebrate educators whose commitment changes lives. We will honor community organizations and public servants who have strengthened the conditions for learners and families to thrive,” Perez said. “Education is not only a system. It is a public promise. And it only holds when people choose, again and again, to uphold it.”

The evening featured remarks from Rosanna Ramirez of Vantage West Credit Union, Pima Community College Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jen Allen, and Tucson Council Member Miranda Schubert.

“Tonight we are here to celebrate the people who make education work,” Nasse said. “Hosting this evening reflects who we are and what we believe. Student success is a shared community responsibility. And everyone being honored tonight is proof of that.”

Nasse also used the occasion to announce a major new opportunity for future educators in the region.

“If you have not yet heard, this fall Pima is launching our first ever Bachelor of Arts in Education,” Nasse said. “An affordable path to a teaching degree right here in Southern Arizona. Arizona needs more teachers. And we are doing something about it.”

Allen spoke to the role educators, mentors, and guides play in shaping people’s lives. “It is the people in our lives that have guided us through the public education system, like those who we are here to recognize today,” Allen said.

Schubert reflected on the spirit of the evening and the people gathered in the room. “It’s a gift to be surrounded by so many amazing people, including teachers, mentors, coaches, and peers who support them,” Schubert said.

A major focus of the evening was the recognition of the region’s FAFSA Peer Coach Program, undertaken in partnership with the Arizona Board of Regents. During the 2025–2026 school year, the coordinated program grew to 58 Peer Coaches across 18 public high schools in Amphitheater, Marana, Tucson Unified, Sunnyside, Vail, and St. Augustine Catholic High School. These student leaders helped their peers navigate FAFSA completion, college-going, and postsecondary planning, offering support during one of the most important transitions in a young person’s life.

The evening honored all participating Peer Coaches and recognized Christine Chiong of Palo Verde High School and Alan Whiting of University High School as this year’s Peer Coaches of the Year, each receiving a $1,000 award with support from Vantage West Credit Union and Banner University Medical Center.

This year’s College Catalyst recognition was awarded to Sunnyside High School for its commitment and enthusiasm in helping seniors pursue postsecondary opportunities.

Principal honorees for the evening included Jackie Nichols as Lifetime Education Advocate; John Carruth as Superintendent of the Year; Matt Donaldson as Administrator of the Year; Garrett Wilton as Counselor of the Year; Jeanne Wages as Teacher of the Year; Nevaeh Larson as Youth of the Year; Representative Nancy Gutierrezas Public Servant of the Year; and Youth On Their Own, Don Harp, Justin Curry, and Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson for Outstanding Service to Community. Vantage West Credit Union was also recognized as Outstanding Student-Serving Financial Institution.

The Council also recognized Exemplary Educators from across the region, representing Amphi, Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells, JTED, Marana, Sahuarita, Sunnyside, Tucson Unified, Vail, and the greater community. This year’s honorees included Ethnee Taylor, Lyndee Jones, Alberto Urquidez, Michelle Barcanic, Angela Gonzales, Vanessa Sawyer, Allison Labenberg, Monique Peralta, Lorena Fonseca, and Michael Olguin.

The Southern Arizona Education Council extends sincere thanks to Vantage West Credit Union for serving as presenting sponsor, to Pima Community College for hosting the event, and to additional partners including Banner University Medical Center, Helios Foundation, and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. The Council is also grateful to every speaker, honoree, educator, student, family member, and community partner who helped make the evening possible.

As the Southern Arizona Education Council continues this revived tradition, Evening to Empower Ed remains a reminder that service to education deserves not only support, but celebration.

A complete album of photos is accessible here for download.