Meghan Sommer
Wickenburg High School
Student of the Year Girl Finalist

A member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, President of the Saddle Club, and Named Who’s Who among American High School Students her freshman year, it is easy to see why dedication and leadership are just two of the numerous fine qualities that Meghan possesses. She has lettered three seasons in basketball, all four seasons in softball, and was co-captain on the 2007 3A Softball State Championship Team. She is also currently co-valedictorian of her graduating class and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Involvement in her community is very important to Meghan, which is why she is a coach for Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Basketball and Wickenburg Pride Softball Team, and has been a server for the Wickenburg Country Kitchen for the past year and a half.

Anne Ellenberger
Horizon Honors High School
Student of the Year Girl Finalist

Anne is the ideal definition for diversity with her range of involvement in school and her community. She has lived in three different countries including Tokyo, Japan, where she attended Nishimachi International School, lettered in basketball and volleyball multiple seasons, and was nominated Most Improved Varsity Player in 2005 for Volleyball and in 2006 for Basketball. Senior Girl for Girl Scouts of the USA, Team member on Project Brainstorm, 2008-09 National Honor Society President, Flutist in Honors Symphonic Band, Student Assistant to Director of Community Development, and Student Assistant Director of Athletics. Somehow Anne still finds extra time in her chaotic schedule to volunteer at her church, student aid for the middle school, as well as perform ballet, tap and jazz.

Mari Rachel Greenburg
Desert Mountain High School
Student of the Year Girl Finalist

Respect, responsibility, and the ability to inspire on the field and in the class room are reasons why Mari is continually recognized by her fellow athletes, students, teachers, and coaches. Her passion and dedication for soccer is shown through her awards such as Most Valuable Player in 2008 and First Team 5AII All State Arizona High School Soccer Coaches Association in 2007, being voted co-captain in 2008, and not to mention breaking a few of her high schools records including their scoring record. Mari also has multiple academic achievements such as National Honors Society member/Secretary, First Place Individual Project at DMHS Science Fair in 2005, USSA National Science Merit Award nominee in 2007, and Global Young Leaders Conference Global Scholar nominee in 2005 and 2006. She has participated in DMHS Service Learning and Scottsdale Honors Cotillion and volunteers in a variety of community programs like KicksKids International Sports Program, Scottsdale Youth Town Hall, MLK Voices, Breast Cancer 3Day, Walk from Obesity, Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research and many others.

Alexandra Wodka
Nogales High School
Student of the Year Girl Finalist

Alexandra knows no limits. She not only played volleyball and ran track, but was on the soccer team all four seasons. School involvement is also very important to Alexandra, which is why she is a Student Council member, Sports Medicine Team trainee, SADD Club member, on the Drama Tech Crew, and the secretary for MESA club (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science). She also plays a major role in helping shape her community through her hard work for the Community Tutor Program, Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank, Sacred Heart Church, and the Carondolet Holy Cross Hospital. It is no wonder she has been honored with numerous awards such as Most Valuable Player for Varsity Girls Soccer for 3 years, Most Improved Player for Varsity Volleyball, Student of the Month, Honors Diploma Recipient, International Baccalaureate Candidate, and was Employee of the Month at the Esplendor Resort.

Mary Massey
Mountain View High School
Student of the Year Girl Finalist

Ranked 19th with a 4.340 GPA, two year captain for cross country, one year captain for distance team track, and President in her church class presidency, it’s obvious that Mary is a born leader. She is constantly recognized for her dedication, poise, and strength from volunteering at Banner Mesa Medical Center and tutoring students in English, to being in the National Honors Society and nominated for Wendy’s-Heismann recognition. Mary has also been in the Spanish Club, a Toro Link Leader, Mentor, volunteer at Paz de Cristo and United Food Bank, as well as honored as the Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Senior in cross country. Hoping to someday travel and study abroad in Spain, attend culinary school, and use her personal experience and knowledge to help others, it is clear that Mary will continue to shine.

Timothy Hoffman
Desert Christian High School
Student of the Year Boy Finalist

An athlete, top student and musician; some might call Timothy a triple threat. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA, his Student Council’s Junior Class President and Senior Class Representative, and the National Honors Society President his senior year. A varsity soccer and ice hockey player for 3 years, and varsity baseball player for four with multiple awards including Most Valuable Player for Baseball two years and 1st Team All-State in 2007 for Soccer. Timothy has been a vocalist and played the guitar for the Chapel Planning Band for four years. Volunteering his time at the Family Attic Thrift Store and the Davis-Monthan AFB Community Center, as well as being an assistant coach for youth hockey and baseball teams, it is easy to see that Timothy is extremely involved around his community.

Elijah Chiang
Corona del Sol High School
Student of the Year Boy Finalist

He has been a great assist to his school and community. A National Honor Society member, Acatecs member, participant in track and field, basketball and football, school spirit and pride comes natural for Elijah. Community work is also important to him which is why he stays active through involvement in Westchester Retirement Center, Pingtung Christian Regional Hospital and numerous church programs. Elijah has been honored for his achievements in football with awards such as Most Improved Player, All Region 1st Team and Tempe All-City 1st Team both junior and senior year, and National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame. He also has a passion for music and has been in the Phoenix Youth Symphony for the past three years and in the Western All-Region Orchestra.

Adam Crotty
Mountain View High School
Student of the Year Boy Finalist

Adam has proven his leadership skills on the track and in the class room. He is not only a Senior Captain for Track and Field, but also the Senior Vice President of the National Honors Society. Adam also helps give back to his community by donating his time and energy to different groups and organizations such as the Spanish Salvation Army Center and United Food Bank. Boys Scouts, Toro Link Leaders, and summer seminars at both the Air Force Academy and Naval Academy have given Adam the experience and motivation to achieve greatness in all areas of life.

Tod Ryan Workman
Queen Creek High School
Student of the Year Boy Finalist

He is a well rounded individual with honors and recognitions in both athletics and academics like Outstanding Wrestler in 2008 State Tournament, Bulldog Award for exceeding school and districts expectations, and maintaining the highest GPA on the football team for two years in a row.  Tod has also spent thousands of service hours in his community working with the Eagle Scout Project, Canned Food Drives, helps coach youth wrestling, and participated in a 100 mile wheelbarrow run for a cancer victim. Student of the Month multiple times, nominated for Homecoming/Prom Court, Football Defensive Captain in 2007, and Student Body Vice President, shows why fellow peers, teachers, and teammates all have faith and respect in Tod. 

John (Billy) Walters
Arizona Lutheran Academy
Student of the Year Boy Finalist

Billy is not just a supporting role in the Drama Club, but also in his community. Countless hours volunteering for the Arrowhead Hospital, Big Brother Program, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and Atonement Lutheran Church shows why he encompasses qualities like citizenship and caring. Billy also excels in school with Highest Honors in academics for three years, and All-State Offensive Lineman as a senior for football in athletics. Participating in basketball and football all four seasons, football team captain, and Acolyte and Usher for his church once a month for three years demonstrate that Billy is loyal and driven in multiple fields, and has the power to achieve any goals he sets for himself.

Casey Lewis
San Simon Unified School District #18
Coach of the Year Finalist

Casey Lewis has been a head coach for the past 18 years, a teacher for almost 20 years, and a leader all his life. He has given San Simon 1A State Champion titles in track and volleyball with multiple semi final appearances in regional and state tournaments. His dedication and passion for athletics doesn’t stop there since he is also the head coach for the club volleyball team Borderline Peppers as well as track, volleyball and basketball at the junior high and the athletic direct at the high school. Casey’s leadership and hard work is recognized by his teams, community, and school through numerous awards including Coach of the Year, 1A South Athletic Director of the year, and Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

Carolyn Hernandez
Nogales High School
Coach of the Year Finalist

Coaching and teaching in Nogales for almost 30 years now, it is no wonder why many label Carolyn Hernandez as the “Apache Pride”. She has coached basketball, volleyball softball, and track and field during those years, but it is in stunt and cheer where she shines the most. Carolyn has earned her school multiple state championships for the 4A Varsity Co-ed Division Large and her teams have had numerous National and NCA Classic appearances during her coaching career. She also donates countless hours around her community through the Rio Rico Community clean up, Student Council Advisor and P.E. Department Chair. It is easy to see why Nogales High School named her their Head Coach of the Year in 2007.

Don Petranovich
Winslow High School
Coach of the Year Finalist

Don Petranovich has spent the past 40 years coaching and teaching at Winslow High School. Don has been able to bring the school 7 Girls Basketball State Championships and 7 State Runner-Ups through his knowledge, strength and determination. He is a member of the Arizona Coaches Association and the 3A Conference President. His coaching skills have been recognized by many which is why he was elected to the Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993. The school and community place a lot of trust and respect in Don because of the honor he’s brought them. The school named the gymnasium after him 2 years ago where you can still find him molding and educating young minds and hearts.

James N. Threadgill
Glendale Union High School District Office
Administrator of the Year Finalist

James Threadgill has been an outstanding administrator and citizen in the Glendale community for over 30 years now. He is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Athletics in the Glendale District, a two-time 4A Conference President, but has also been a teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Athletic Director and Principal in Glendale. James’s character and hard work is reflected by his numerous awards and recognitions including 4A Skyline Athletic Director of the Year and Phoenix Roadrunners/Circle K Outstanding Educator. He also stays active in the Glendale community through his positions held on the AIAAA, 4A Wells Fargo Region Chairperson, Glendale Parks and Recreation, and even volunteered for the Glendale NFL Superbowl Transportation Logistical Team this year.

Connie Harris
Deer Valley Unified School District
Administrator of the Year Finalist

Connie Harris has dedicated her life to helping develop and educate thousands of students in Arizona for over 30 years. Her strength, knowledge, and ambition have been empowering her community on multiple levels. NASSP’s Principal of the Year for Arizona, NCA Circle of Excellence Award, and Administrative Pride Award are just a few of the recognitions she has received during her career. Connie has been a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of School Operations across the valley but is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Deer Valley. Her leadership and enthusiasm will continue to impact the lives of students and her community for years to come.

Timothy Colgate
Nogales High School
Administrator of the Year Finalist

It is amazing that Timothy Colgate has only been with the Nogales community for seven years when you see all the administrative, coaching and teaching programs he has implemented and followed. He has impacted the community on multiple levels starting as a Physical Education Teacher, to assistant coaching, and current position as Athletic Director. His motivation and hard work has sent 18 of his players to play college football and earned him 2007 Kino Region Athletic Administrator of the Year. Even with all this on his plate Tim still finds time to help shape the Nogales community through working as the 4A State Soccer Tournament Coordinator and Rio Rico Little League President.

Doug King
City of Peoria
Official of the Year Finalist

Doug King has been an official for the Peoria community for over 20 years now. He has been an official for high school football, basketball, volleyball, and softball along with all levels of Pop Warner Football, JR College Basketball, and College D-I Basketball. He was Northwest Pop Warner Official of the Year in 2005 and 5A-1 State Championship Basketball Final Official for 2 seasons. Doug has been a committee chair/ volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America since 1997, a financial volunteer for the Golden Wheel Organization and an Arizona Committee Member for the NATSO disaster Relief Org for 5 years. Coaches, players and the community members all trust and respect him not only as an official, but as an individual.

Bryce Seaman
City of Phoenix
Official of the Year Finalist

The longest serving State Director of Instruction for the United States Soccer Federation in the country, it is obvious that Bryce Seaman’s knowledge, judgment and character are well recognized. His passion and dedication are reflected by his numerous awards and accomplishments such as 2002’s elected President of the board of the National Federation Officials Association and the Arizona Youth Soccer Hall of Fame. Bryce has also been a volunteer umpire in Little League for 22 years and a Charter Member for the National Association Sports Officials. He has been an official for high schools at all levels in soccer for 26 years and football for 46 years. His loyal service to his community, schools, and peers will forever be cherished by everyone.

Ken Farmer
City of Ajo
Official of the Year Finalist

For the past 35 years Ken Farmer has been a leader through his teaching, directing, and officiating in the city of Ajo. He has been an official for all levels of high school football and basketball for 25 years and all levels of volleyball for 11. He was selected by his students and faculty for Teacher of the Year and 1A South Athletic Director of the Year. Ken helps give back to his community through volunteer work for numerous groups including Ajo Community Safety Council and Victor Salazar Scholarship Fund. As an official, and citizen, he has earned the respect from his community through his honest and fair work on and off the field.