The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce honored 20 people and groups Nov. 9 at the 26th annual Community Excellence Awards. 

The winners were teachers, volunteers, business members, public safety workers and more and were recognized by the Chamber, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Independent Newsmedia. 

The award winners were: 

Town of Gilbert 

Tim Dorn Public Safety Award: Fire Investigator David Zehring and ATF accelerant detection K9 Zeta; 

Employees of the Year: Jessica Marlow, public works director, and Kyle Mieras, development services director; 

Volunteer of the Year: Veterans Advisory Board members. 

Gilbert Public Schools 

Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year: Ashley McLaren, Campo Verde High School; 

Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year: Scott Haase, technology services; 

Mrs. Sheila Rogers Uggetti Volunteer of the Year: Ashley Watson, Oak Tree Elementary PTO president. 

Higley USD 

Educator of the Year: Kyle Curry; 

Volunteer of the Year: Caroline Lamoreaux; 

Support Staff of the Year: Jillian Fulton. 

Chandler-Gilbert Community College 

Staff Member of the Year: Suzanne Chesney, student services analyst, Williams campus 

Educator of the Year: Micaela Church, dance faculty 

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 

Spirit of Business Award: Amy Jones Group 

Visionary Award: Patrick Banger, Gilbert town manager 

Leon Uhlhorn Chairman’s Award Presented by Strong Tower Insurance: Salt River Project 

Independent Newsmedia 

Young Hero Award: Avery Jackson 

Beautification Award: Gilbert Sister Cities and Gilbert Leadership Class 30, Friendship Garden 

Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award: Gayle Disch