In October, ACBVI hosted our 4th annual Circle of Honor celebration—an evening dedicated to recognizing the clients, partners, volunteers, staff, and community leaders who have made an extraordinary impact this year. It was a warm and meaningful night filled with gratitude and admiration for the people who help strengthen our mission every day.

• 2025 Circle of Honor Honorees
• ACBVI Alumni of the Year: Julian Hernandez - current student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
• Administrator of the Year: Logan Walker – ACBVI Social Recreation Program
• Anne Sullivan Award: Ray Young - Terros Health
• April McPherson Iron Will Award: April McPherson - ACBVI Staff
• Healthcare Hero: Jennifer Faluade - Adelante Health
• Helen Keller Award: Phoenix Fire House 11 - Phoenix Fire Department
• Louis Braille Award: Raye Anna Kish - ACBVI Volunteer
• Partner of the Year: Julie Oliver - Foundation for Blind Children
• Polly Thompson Award: Vickie McWatters - Foundation for Blind Children
• Program Staff of the Year: Danielle Gutierrez - ACBVI Staff
• Rookie of the Year: Tracey Mahan, Ginalyn Jordan, Johnny Lindsey - ACBVI Staff
• Special Recognition: Steve Welker - ACBVI Board Member
• Steve Welker Board Member of the Year: Jim Hunt - University of Arizona
• Volunteer of the Year: Irene Alvarez - ACBVI Volunteer
• Adventure Partners of the Year: Gecko Climbing Gym & Granite Mountain Guides
• Committee of the Year: Tour de Scottsdale & Kickoff Party Committee — Tiffany Tu - Maricopa County Public Health, Korbin Slaughter - Northrup Gruman, Jayson Meyerovitz - Paychex, Dylan Raymond - City of Chandler
• Corporate Partners of the Year: UMB Bank, Signarama Chandler, Paychex
• Diversity Champions: Blindsighted — Ryan Fox, Ana Nieves, George Morales, Tyler Rivas, Earl Norwood - ACBVI Clients

We congratulate all of this year’s honorees and thank them for their remarkable contributions. Their leadership, dedication, and partnership help ensure ACBVI can continue empowering individuals to live with confidence, independence, and dignity.