Metro Education Commission’s Evening to Empower Ed Honors Students, Educators, and Community Leaders Across the Greater Tucson Area

TUCSON, AZ — On May 9, 2025, the Metro Education Commission (MEC), a public body and nonprofit organization established by the Pima County and the City of Tucson, hosted An Evening to Empower Ed at the Pima Community College Aviation Technology Center, reigniting a longstanding tradition that honors those who serve the cause of education in Pima County and the City of Tucson. Building on the 35-year legacy of the Crystal Apple Awards, the event gathered more than 250 guests—including elected officials, educators, students, families, and nonprofit partners—to celebrate excellence in education and community leadership.

This year’s occasion featured the participation of regional leaders and public officials with deep roots in MEC’s mission and vision. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Rex Scott served as honorary co-chairs, joined by Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, who appeared in remembrance of her father, Congressman Raúl Grijalva—a founder of the Commission and a lifelong advocate for educational access.

Mayor Romero reflected on her early service on the Commission and expressed her pride in co-chairing the event alongside Chair Scott, with whom she previously served during his time as an administrator in the Marana Unified School District. She also recognized the many ways the City of Tucson supports children and families through long standing programs like KIDCO.  “At a time when education is both our greatest challenge and most powerful opportunity, it’s inspiring to come together and honor those who uplift our students every single day,” said Romero. “From the classroom to the community, each of the honorees reminds us of the deep impact one person can have on a young person’s life.”

Chair Scott, a lifelong educator and school administrator before joining the Board of Supervisors, emphasized the County’s investment in every stage of learning—from early childhood and K–12 to workforce development and postsecondary success. “As a proud career educator, I know the daily opportunities dedicated professionals have to influence the lives of the children we serve. It was a great joy to take part in this event and honor the efforts of those being recognized,” said Scott.

Adelita Grijalva—herself a former MEC Commissioner and a longtime leader through the TUSD Governing Board and Pima County Board of Supervisors—paid tribute to her father’s legacy and voiced her pride in the renewed energy behind MEC’s work. She expressed hope in the intergenerational continuation of that legacy.

The evening also featured remarks from Cecilia Mata, Chair of the Arizona Board of Regents, who announced the formal launch of a unified Peer Coach program between MEC and ABOR beginning next academic year. The new statewide model will allow every public high school to host Peer Coaches—students trained to assist classmates with FAFSA completion, college applications, and postsecondary planning. Both student coaches and on-site coordinators will receive stipends, while schools will receive additional support to promote a college-going culture.

Rocque Perez, who served as Executive Director of MEC until his recent appointment as a Tucson City Council Member representing Ward 5, led the program and underscored the value of community-wide recognition. “This event was a celebration of education not just as a system, but as a right, a responsibility, and a force for community transformation,” said Perez. “The resolve of our young people, the brilliance of our educators, and the dedication of our community partners all remind us that education is not a solo effort—it is a shared pursuit.”

The event also celebrated MEC’s Peer Coaches—high school seniors trained to support their peers in accessing and transitioning to postsecondary opportunities—and Youth Civic Fellows, highly engaged student leaders who help orchestrate the region’s annual Teen Town Hall and transform youth perspectives into policy and advocacy. Both programs reflect MEC’s mission to expand civic engagement and educational access across Southern Arizona.

Dozens of outstanding leaders, educators, and institutions were also recognized across the Commission’s signature award categories:

• Exemplary Educators are individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to learners and play a transformative role in their academic and personal journeys.

• College Catalyst awards honor high schools that demonstrate exceptional service and spirit in fostering a college-going environment.

• Outstanding Service to Community awards are presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the educational landscape through advocacy, innovation, or direct support.

• Outstanding Student-Serving Financial Institution is awarded to a financial partner that demonstrates notable leadership in supporting educational access and equity.

• Individual Awards recognize professionals across roles—teachers, counselors, administrators, superintendents—whose work has set a standard of excellence and inspired lasting impact.

  
  

2025 Crystal Apple Award Honorees

Exemplary Educators

• Shawn Smith, Amphitheater High School – Amphitheater Unified School District

• Renee Shane-Boyd, Catalina Foothills High School – Catalina Foothills Unified School District

• Mark Calton, Marana High School – Marana Unified School District

• Erica Wofford, J. Robert Hendricks Elementary – Flowing Wells School District

• Elizabeth Dicochea, Anza Trail School – Sahuarita Unified School District

• Monica Ayon, Los Niños Elementary School – Sunnyside Unified School District

• Estefania Herrera, Pueblo High School – Tucson Unified School District

• Lisa Scott, Esmond Station K–8 – Vail School District

• Jessica Howe, Pipeline Connects – Greater Community

College Catalyst Awardees

• Sunnyside Unified School District

• Marana Unified School District

• Vail School District

Outstanding Service to Community

• Greater Tucson Leadership

• Vida Rodriguez, Goodwill of Southern Arizona

• Karla González-Quezada, Pima Community College

Outstanding Student-Serving Financial Institution

• Vantage West Credit Union

Individual Awards

• Youth of the Year: Owen Brosanders – University High School, Tucson Unified School District

• Teacher of the Year: Jessica Hunt – Marana High School

• Counselor of the Year: Gayle Morrison – Empire High School, Vail School District

• Administrator of the Year: Ethan Hurley – Vail School District

• Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Gabriel Trujillo – Tucson Unified School District

• June Webb-Vignery Lifetime Education Advocate: Bruce Burke

• Commissioner of the Year: Mark Hanna

This year’s celebration was made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Vantage West Credit Union, as well as support from Pima Community College, Helios Education Foundation, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, Marshall Foundation, and the University of Arizona Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives. To learn more about the Metro Education Commission or view photos and highlights from the event, visit mectucson.org/empowered

Select photos available below, full album viewable here.