Eleven Tempe students, three educators, six community members and three businesses have been awarded the 2016 Tempe Mayor’s Disability Awards, honoring those with disabilities for ability, advocacy and achievements, along with people or businesses that assist or support the disability communities.
Outstanding Tempe Student — Recognizing outstanding high school students with disabilities who demonstrate dedication and success as a student, employee or volunteer.
Recipients include Andrew Encinas, Marcos de Niza High School graduate and Fry’s Food Store employee; Asia White, Tempe High School, involved in student council and other school activities; Clarise Duran-Jensen, Tempe High School, avid dancer in the LEAP After School Program; Damarise Camacho, Tempe High School, leadership team member and mentor in Students Helping Access Doors Educationally and Socially (SHADES); Demond Robinson-Brown Jr., Corona del Sol, active in Sol Buddies, a club that builds friendships and inclusion; Elvis Luna Rocha, Tempe High School; enrolled at the East Valley Institute of Technology; Jazmin Marin, Tempe High School; member of SHADES; Margarita DJ Rodriguez, Tempe High School; enrolled at the East Valley Institute of Technology; Ruben Ayala, Marcos de Niza High School, active in the Workbridge Program; Xavier Mendoza, Tempe High School, mentor for SHADES; and Chloe Estrada, 8, Believe I Can Academy, learning American Sign Language.
Exceptional Educator Award (three-way tie) — Honors a teacher, school staff member or school support person who has provided exceptional education and support to students with disabilities. Recipients were Sherri Hoffmann, Tempe Union School District, Workbridge teacher at Mountain Pointe/Desert Vista; Annette Asuncion and Honey Short, Connolly Middle School, formed a collaboration of two programs that serve underrepresented students and special education students.
Business Leadership Award — Recognizes a business that leads by example; advocates and goes above and beyond to expand boundaries in our community.
Recipients were Believe I Can Academy, owner Sarah Davis, creates an environment with specialized instruction that sets up independence and success.
Accessibility Award — Recognizes a Tempe business, resident, architect, developer or city department that has improved access for people with disabilities in private or public buildings, outdoor spaces, transportation or other areas.
Recipients were ADM Group Inc. co-founder and President Ben Barcon, provides full service and interior architecture, planning, design, program management and construction administration.
Employer of the Year Award — Honors a Tempe business or organization that employs individuals with disabilities.
Fry’s Food Store, Mill and Southern, Store Manager Mardi Coker, longtime supporter of employing qualified individuals with disabilities while supporting community activities.
Advocacy Award — Honors an individual, organization or agency that has demonstrated leadership by raising awareness, advocating, or improving systems, opportunities and services for people with disabilities. Winner was Teresa Montoya (akaTeresa Scobee), volunteer coach for the city of Tempe Adapted Recreation’s Special Olympics.
Valued Community Service Award — Honors a person, organization or business that has made a significant contribution by providing or improving personal and community support for individuals with disabilities.
Winner: Paul Brian Bennewitz, courtesy clerk at Fry’s Food Store and avid volunteer.
Pride of the City Award — Recognizes an individual, group, business or organization that has demonstrated a long term commitment in improving the quality of life for all the residents of Tempe Youth and Education. Winner: Randy Russell, Tempe Centers for Habilitation, has worked at the center for 25 years and advocates nationally.
