Yesterday afternoon, the energy at ASU’s Mullett Arena was a powerful testament to what happens when a community decides to invest in its future. We gathered for the 9th Annual Elevator in Education Awards & Scholarship Celebration, hosted by the legendary Ann Meyers Drysdale, to honor the educators who lift our students up and the young leaders who are rising to meet every challenge.
While the event was filled with highlights, including inspiring words from Phoenix Suns icon Rex Chapman, and our valley educators receiving their awards. The most significant takeaway was the clear, measurable impact this event has made on this community over the last eight years.
Crossing a Half-Million Dollar Milestone
This year’s celebration wasn’t just a party; it was a milestone. Since the “Elevator in Education” luncheon first began, it has served as the primary engine for our scholarship fund. We are proud to share that as of April 2026, $551,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 473 Elevate Phoenix Alumni.
These 473 individuals represent the heart of our mission. They are the students who stayed the course, navigated the complexities of urban education, and are now attending colleges and trade schools across the country. For many of them, these funds were the deciding factor in whether they could pursue a degree or a career certification.
More Than a Moment: A Relationship
The event’s title—Elevator—is a nod to our unique model. Unlike programs that offer a one-time intervention, Elevate Phoenix focuses on long-term, life-changing relationships. Our Teacher-Mentors are in the classrooms and in the community 24/7, providing a stable foundation for our youth.
Yesterday, we saw the fruit of that labor. Watching our student alumni share the stage with icons like Ann Meyers Drysdale and Rex Chapman reminded us that when you give a student a hand up, they don’t just reach the next floor, they eventually learn to operate the elevator for others.
Honoring Our Local Heroes
Educators are often the most under-recognized professionals in our society, yet they are the true “elevators” in our schools. Yesterday, we had the distinct honor of recognizing individuals who go above and beyond for their students every single day.
Our Elevate Phoenix Team Leads took to the floor to present awards to these incredible local heroes:
North High School: Team Lead Joe Barron honored Kendall Detlaff, Assistant Principal of Student Achievement.
Visit North High School Camelback High School: Team Lead Melissa Hubert recognized German Alvarez, a dedicated Spanish teacher.
Visit Camelback High School Maryvale High School: Team Lead Shawneece Durham presented to Sandra Aguilar, whose work as a Security Guard provides the safety and stability our students need to thrive.
Visit Maryvale High School Trevor Browne High School: Team Lead Moses Gueyger honored Diana Vargas, Credentials Specialist, for her vital role in student success.
Visit Trevor Browne High School Ed & Verma Pastor Elementary: We also celebrated Stephanie Acosta, Principal, for her leadership and commitment to our youngest learners.
Visit Ed & Verma Pastor Elementary
The Legacy Life Giving Tree Award
Inspired by the timeless story of the Giving Tree, this award honors those who give selflessly and inspire others to do the same, planting seeds that will bear fruit far beyond their lifetime, impacting lives for generations…
Inspired from the Aesop’s Fabel’s that we teach our kiddos through the story of the “Giving Tree”. It tells the story of an apple tree’s unconditional love and selfless sacrifice for a boy, giving him her apples, branches, and finally her trunk, until she is only a stump, yet she is happy because she gave everything to the boy. “The Giving Tree” teaches us to care for others and to be grateful for all our loved ones do for us. More importantly Legacy givers are a part of the seeds that are planted that will surpass the life of the giver that continues to give hope, leaving the legacy of change, inspiration, and success. That is why we give the gift of an “apple” award which represents the fruit of your seeds planted. We can count the number of seeds that are planted, but the fruit of its “labor” is limitless, and the impact will go on to show the legacy of each donor that will be felt even after they are gone.
Legacy donors are the seeds of tomorrow. Through planned giving, you create a future where your impact continues to grow, touching lives, opening doors, and transforming generations long after today.
We have the honor of recognizing a very special individual, the one who planted the very first seed of what will become a forest of legacy. Through his visionary generosity, he has helped launch our Legacy Giving initiative, ensuring that the impact of Elevate Phoenix will continue for generations to come. Because of him, lives will be changed not just today, but long into the future. It is our privilege to present Dave Bonnano the very first…Legacy Life Giving Tree Award.
By supporting this event, our sponsors and guests have sent a clear message to these educators: We see you, we value you, and we are standing with you.
What’s Next?
If you joined us yesterday, thank you for your generosity and your spirit. If you weren’t able to make it, the mission continues. We set an ambitious goal to raise $120,000 this year to ensure the next class of “Dreamers” can attend school without the crushing weight of financial barriers.
The $551,000 we’ve awarded to date is a incredible start, but we are just getting warmed up. As we look toward our tenth year in 2027, we invite you to stay engaged. Whether through the Arizona Tax Credit, corporate sponsorships, or individual mentorship, there is a place for you in this story.
Let’s keep lifting as we climb.
Missed the chance to give?
You can still support our 2026 scholarship goal by visiting our event page.
With gratitude,
Elevate Phoenix Team
