On Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce will hold its 28th annual community excellence awards at the Double Tree, and Gilbert Public Schools will be there celebrating and honoring 4 incredible individuals who help make GPS the best place to work and learn!

Our 2024 GPS Community Excellence Award winners are:

• Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year - Tina Judd, Volunteer, Mesquite Elementary
• Dr Walter Delecki Educator of the Year, Secondary - Austin McIntosh, Teacher, Campo Verde High 
• Dr Walter Delecki Educator of the Year, Elementary - Harry Webb, Teacher, Ashland Ranch Elementary
• Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year - Troy Seamster, Assistant Foreman, District Warehouse

Mrs. Sheila Uggetti Volunteer of the Year - Tina Judd, Volunteer, Mesquite Elementary

Mrs. Tina Judd is an incredible parent and member of our local community who truly supports everyone at Mesquite Elementary School. She volunteers her time tirelessly, from running the school’s PTSO to leading the Mesquite Elementary Musical Theater Club. When Mrs. Judd saw a musical theater production at another campus she knew she wanted to bring this vision to the students and families of Mesquite El. She created the program from the ground up over ten years ago, growing it into the amazing program it is today with over 100 students involved in an annual theater production. Students are cast based on their performances but most importantly all students are able to participate and contribute in some way. Students practice for months culminating in a performance in Gilbert High School auditorium with sound, lights, and a packed audience. Mrs. Judd works year round, communicating with families, designing sets, finding scripts and more, and this is just one of the ways she supports Mesquite Elementary as a volunteer. Thank you Mrs. Judd for all you do for our Mesquite Elementary students and for being a part of our GPS Family.

Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year - Troy Seamster, Assistant Foreman, District Warehouse

Troy is the Assistant Foreman for the GPS warehouse and has worked for Gilbert Public Schools for over 25 years. In Mr Seamster’s role he works with all of our schools and all of our district departments, ensuring classroom resources are where they need to be, and moving huge quantities of materials across the district every day. He is an extremely hard worker and always willing to help and offer assistance. More than that, Troy always has a smile on his face and takes the time to connect with others. He does everything efficiently and is courteous and kind. We are extremely lucky to have someone like Troy working as part of the backbone of our district.  With 39 schools, and covering 60 square miles, GPS is a big school district and every day is a busy day in the warehouse. Troy does it all with a positive attitude that is truly infectious! Thank you Troy for all you do for our school district, for our staff, and for our students, we appreciate you and are so grateful you are a part of our GPS Family.

Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year, Secondary - Austin McIntosh, Teacher, Campo Verde High 

Austin McIntosh, or Coach Mac as he is known, excels in his work with students both in the classroom and on the field, as a teacher and coach at Campo Verde High School. As an educator it is clear he truly cares about all kids, acting as a positive role model for students, and working to create safe spaces so students feel supported to do their best in school. He makes learning Chemistry fun, inspiring many students to find a new love for science. Outside the classroom, Coach Mac can be found on the football field and no matter the day Coach Mac is always there for students, present at school events with a smile for everyone, a kind word, and great school spirit. He is not only a leader in the classroom, but is in service to the students and families in the community. He takes his time to get to know the students of Campo Verde and parents too building positive relationships that result in students feeling safe and supported, in their academics and in extracurricular activities. Thank you Mr. McIntosh for everything you do for students and for our community, and thank you for being an important part of our GPS family!

Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year, Elementary - Harry Webb, Teacher, Ashland Ranch Elementary

Harry Webb is a phenomenal educator, teaching at Ashland Ranch Elementary. He embodies everything an educator should be with a passion for teaching that positively impacts each one of his students. In the classroom, he takes the students he has and challenges them to reach new heights. For example, he has helped them create 3D models of optical illusions in math, and inspired students to connect with the novel Journey to Center of the Earth by challenging them to retell the story using Dash Robots. He is also an amazing coworker, willing to work with his team to make sure that their group of students have access to what they need to support them to thrive academically. Mr Webb is adventurous in his teaching, willing to take risks and to create lessons that connect with students. He truly sets his students up for success and for the next chapter of their lives. Thank you Mr Webb for all you do for your students and for the future of our students, families and the district. We appreciate you and we are grateful you have chosen GPS and to be a part of our Family!