The Commission announced the six 'Spark Award Trophy' recipients and other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition". 

This award program which recognizes individuals and organizations for their exemplary leadership and continued contributions and dedication to Glendale.

- Receiving the  'Spark Award Trophy'  for the school were were Jacklyn Harper, Jordan Deer and Marcus Tan

Each year, the students from Mountain Ridge High School Interact Club participate in numerous volunteer service projects in Glendale to help improve our community. This group of young leaders along with their advisor, Mr. Chris O'Brien, attend each volunteer event with enthusiasm, team work and a helpful attitude. The students have volunteered for the Rock & Roll Paint-a-thon; Serve Day event; fruit picking at Sahuaro Ranch park; and at the Glendale Library. Twice a month, throughout the school year, they volunteer at a local Alzheimer's facility. The group also sponsored a student/teacher basketball game fundraiser and raised almost $1,000 for Habitat for Humanity. The Glendale community is always pleased and honored to have young leaders like the Mountain Ridge High School Interact Club in our midst who are dedicated to making our community a better place to live.

Other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition",  include: Ryan Caracciolo, Andrew Leonard, Megan Miller

Megan Miller and Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs
Photo Courtesy  Marcheta Strunk, City of Glendale

 Receiving the  'Spark Award Trophy'  for  M&I Bank was Adrianne Sloat

Each year, M&I Bank and its employees strive to enhance the lives of individuals in the community by supporting local organizations through financial donations, board involvement and volunteering. More than 150 M&I Bank employees volunteered their time and energy for the first "Brush with Kindness" event in the Heart of Glendale neighborhood. The volunteers painted homes, landscaped front yards, and completed minor exterior home improvements for several disabled and low-income residents. In addition to their volunteer efforts, M&I Bank donated $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity to support "Brush with Kindness." Employees also participated in the M&I Bank Community Day at Thunderbird Paseo Park by picking up 75 bags of trash.

The other nominee in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition", was:

Glendale Pawn & Jewelry Shop

Bridget Schumacher

Greg Miller accepts the  'Spark Award Trophy for Bridget Schumacher, whom he nominated for the Spark Award.

Bridget Schumacher is a second-grade teacher at Challenger Charter School in Glendale and has worked there for 10 years. Within the past two years she developed a strong desire to give back to her community on a larger level. Bridget created a local chapter of the world-wide "Kids Care Clubs" at the school. The group began with 25 second grade students and within one year grew to 100 students ranging from the second to sixth grade. The students have painted key-ring holders as gifts for new homeowners in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They painted Earth Day posters for the Glendale Library and decorated paper grocery bags for Albertsons to raise awareness to help take care of our Earth. The students made napkin rings for Meals on Wheels; created Valentine's Day cards for children at Phoenix Children's Hospital; visited and performed songs for residents of Arizona State Veteran's Home and much more. Bridget is a true "Spark" in the community. 

Other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition",  include:

Gary Benson, Felipe Herrera, Sophia Macias, Christine Mahr, Ed Sharpe- Glendale Daily Planet, Pebble Kickers Hiking Club, Valley of the Sun Habitat for Humanity, Vineyard Church  (not in order of appearance in photo).

East Catlin Court Neighborhood Group Leaders

Receiving the  'Spark Award Trophy'  for the group were:  Mick and Pete Talbot, Bart Turner, Gilbert Chavez, Lupe Gonzales, Roberto Granado, John McNutt-Bessler, David, Jamie and Diana Colby, Marcia Snelling, Tom Parson, Paul Crippen and Lucy Grijalva.

The East Catlin Court Historic District Neighborhood Group Leaders are a fairly new neighborhood association and have done remarkable work in the short time they have been in existence. In a year's time, this group has come together to improve the appearance, safety and living conditions of the neighborhood. They have made substantial changes to their neighborhood including: working with SRP to have damaged electrical poles replaced; working along-side Maricopa County Restitution workers to clean out easements; and donating their time, muscle and equipment to haul materials to the landfill. They organized their second annual block watch party where 200 residents attended and applied for several neighborhood grants. They truly are the "Spark" in the neighborhood. 

Other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition",  include:

Receiving the  'Spark Award Trophy' was Hans Rosenthal and Wayne Kumm

In May 2007, Hans Rosenthal and Wayne Kumm volunteered to be the Captain and Co-Captain of the Mercer Lane Neighborhood Block Watch. They took time to contact all the neighbors and provide information on the new block watch. Hans & Wayne worked with their Councilmember to get Block Watch signs donated for the neighborhood. They also applied for a small grant and received $500 for their first neighborhood block party, which was a success. The neighbors also felt that there was a need for sidewalk repairs in the neighborhood. Hans & Wayne applied for a large grant and the neighborhood was awarded over $50,000 to have the sidewalks repaired and eight handicapped ramps installed. Hans & Wayne are truly the "Spark" that ignited the Mercer Lane neighborhood.

Other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition",  include:

Timothy O'Day, Debbie Petrina, Fred & Georgia Rockey, Bob & Bonnie Steiger, James & Suzy Wilson

Receiving the  'Spark Award Trophy' was Ellen Scott

Ellen Scott is a member of the Board of Directors for Maryland Manor Condominiums. She takes it upon herself to repair and beautify the neighborhood in many ways. Single-handedly, Ellen has repaired and painted most of the patio masonry walls; painted over graffiti on entrance walls to the neighborhood; and repainted all the fading red "No Parking" zone curbs. With the help of a few friends and relatives, she shoveled and wheel-barrowed 4-tons of decorative rock and spread it throughout the Xeriscape areas of the garden. She made the revitalization of Maryland Manor her "Labor of Love." Ellen is the "Spark" in the neighborhood and envisions not only accomplishment and revitalization of this older neighborhood, but also involving residents with a sense of pride and participation with fellow neighbors in their own community.

Other nominees in this category,  which received  a "Certificate of Recognition",  include: