11:00 Registration 

 Silent Auction & Socializing

11:45 Doors Open

12:00 Program Begins

1:30 Dismissal 

Brick Shultz is the 2024 Bill Jenkins Youth Leadership Award winner.  Brick is a highly gifted senior in leadership as well as every area of academia. Even though he maintains an exceptional GPA, he finds time to take part in varsity baseball, leads the student cheering section at sporting events, is the school choir president and is on the Make-a-Wish Youth Leadership Council. He is also a mentor for the Mentor-Ambassador Program and a member of the National Honor Society and the Math and Science Academy. Even with all the accomplishments listed he shows a generosity of spirit to faculty and classmates and is someone who strives to make their environment more inclusive and united.  He will pursue a degree in finance and is motivated to start his own business. 

HISTORY OF THE JENKINS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD:

The Jenkins Youth Leadership Award honors William C. (Bill) Jenkins.  As a 29-year Scottsdale High School teacher and Scottsdale Mayor (1974-1980), Bill worked tirelessly for his students in the Social Sciences department and as their student government advisor.  As a mayor, Bill took Scottsdale through rapid growth and through a recession with accomplishments of building the first Scottsdale Senior Center, completing City Hall, Vista del Camino and Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt projects. 

Erica Tatum-Sheade is the winner of the inaugural Frances Young Trailblazer Award. Erica is a tireless advocate for children, as a registered play therapist, specializing in child and adolescent mental health and trauma. She works with marginalized children as a 10+ year volunteer as a Maricopa County Court Appointed Special Advocate. She created and delivered a curriculum for girls’ self-esteem and empowerment titles “G.E.M.S. Girls Empowered, Motivated and Strong.” Erica always leaps headfirst into everything she does for the community and to better mental health for children. She is also the co-founder of the nonprofit “Black Therapists in AZ” which is dedicated to improving mental health in the Black community. She was named the NASW Arizona Social Worker of the Year in 2022. Frances Young would be proud to see Erica named the first ever Frances Young Trailblazer Award Winner. 

The Frances Young Trailblazer Award honors a rising leader who may not hold a formal leadership title, but who shows community driven leadership through hard work and collaboration while inspiring others. The impact of their work in the Scottsdale Community is in progress, while showing stewardship for community betterment. Frances Young was a tireless advocate for minority rights, was a trailblazer and co-founder of Scottsdale Community Partners and championed many initiatives including the Vista del Camino Community Center. 

The 2024 Drinkwater Leadership Award winner is Peter Rusin.  Peter is the President of Health World Inc. and he epitomizes many of Mayor Drinkwater’s values through his community advocacy and the positive impact in Scottsdale. He has provided countless hours of support for the mission of Community Celebrating Diversity (CCD) Board is to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity and to seek respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity. He is a true champion of children and community. Peter is a big supporter of the SUSD Service Learning Program and led the charge for their “How Do You Serve?” campaign and provided volunteers opportunities to assist students in achieving their goals.  Peter is the co-creator of Horsense, a youth equestrian camp, now in their 24th year. 

HISTORY OF THE DRINKWATER COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD:

The Drinkwater Community Leadership Award is named after the Honorable Herb Drinkwater who served as Scottsdale’s Mayor and as a City Council member for more than 25 years.  He was always willing to introduce Scottsdale to people who might be interested in becoming a part of our city.  It is because of Herb’s on-purpose living and positive intent for the community that Scottsdale Leadership honors a similarly purposed community leader each year.

PAST WINNERS

2023-Christine Irish

2022-Jack Miller

2021 - Don Carson

2020 -Janie Ellis

2019 - Bill Walton

2018 - Diane Cusack

2017 - Charlie Smith

2016 - Tom Sadvary

2015 - The Honorable Mary Manross

2014 - Bill Schrader

2013 - Gary Shapiro

2012 - Mary King

2011 - Rachel Sacco

2010 - Betty Drake

2009 - Marc Miller

2008 - William “Bill” Soderquist

2007 - Tim Bray

2006 - William “Bill” Mack

2005 - Sam Campana

2004 - Don Ruff

2003 - Paul R. Messinger

2002 - William “Bill” Jenkins

2001 - Marion Saba

2000 - Frances Young

1999 - Art DeCabooter, Ph. D.

1998 - Jim Bruner

This year’s Hodges Alumni Achievement Award recipient is Brian Bednar.  Brian is the Strategic Account Manager for Salt River Project. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fiesta Bowl since 1996 and is currently on the Charitable Giving Committee, among others. Since becoming a member of the Yellow Jacket Committee with the Fiesta Bowl he has been involved with nearly every facet of the organization and has served as chair for numerous events. In 2017 he was awarded the “Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award”. Brian is a Scottsdale Leadership Class 20 Alumnus and served as President of the board as well as currently serving as a member of the Advisory Council. Brian has made a significant contribution to our community through his long-term commitment to mentoring others and helped create a new pilot program at SRP called “Sports Buddies” for Big Brothers/Sisters. 

HISTORY OF THE HODGES ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

The Hodges Alumni Achievement Award honors Scottsdale Leadership alumni who illustrate the passion and commitment Frank Hodges, Scottsdale Leadership Class 1, had for his community.  Frank was an Assistant Fire Chief with Rural Metro and his dedication to the people of Scottsdale knew no boundaries.  His efforts were tireless, and his legacy lives on through the lives he touched.  His life, spirit and dedication are honored through this annual Alumni Achievement award.

PAST WINNERS: