2025 Mayor’s All-Abilities Award Honorees

Outstanding High School Students

• Sarah Tun– Sarah is a remarkable high school senior balancing school, a full-time job supporting individuals with special needs and caring for her ailing father. Despite these adult responsibilities, she shows maturity, resilience and compassion, always putting others first. Sarah is driven, kindhearted and determined to build a successful future through courage and hard work.
• Lian Pan– Lian stands out for her resilience, hard work and collaborative spirit. Navigating hearing and speech challenges, she excels academically using assistive tools and engages fully in class discussions. Her perseverance, courage and commitment to learning make her a shining example of success at Desert Vista.

Exceptional Educators

• Fuller Elementary Special Needs Team– The Fuller Elementary Special Education Team exemplifies teamwork, compassion and dedication in supporting students with complex needs. Their collaborative, inclusive approach ensures that every student receives thoughtful, personalized support. From after-hours planning to hands-on learning stations that support motor, sensory and communication development, this team fosters a nurturing school culture where all students are understood and empowered.
• Sarah Silverman– Sarah Silverman is a compassionate and inspiring educator who meets every student where they are and champions inclusive education. She fosters a growth mindset, leads innovative programs like the school’s Bike Club and has secured grant funding to support sustainability and inclusion. Her leadership, kindness and advocacy make a lasting impact across the campus and the community.
• Dr. Charlie Kaprolet– Dr. Kaprolet is a trusted leader and compassionate advocate who supports students through trauma, crisis and everyday challenges. As Tempe High’s lead psychologist and the district’s lead for school psychologists, he balances direct student support with mentoring staff and expanding mental health services. His office is a gathering place for students—a testament to the trust and care he brings to everything he does.

Pride of the City Award

• Venezia’s Pizza–Venezia’s Pizzais more than a local favorite—it’s a business that creates real opportunity. Through a partnership with Tempe Union High School District, Venezia’s provides workplace learning for students with cognitive disabilities, helping them gain confidence and build job skills in a supportive environment. Manager AJ Albanese and his team model what it means to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Tim Bolen Award of Merit

• Dr. Krista Puruhito– Dr. Puruhito is an educator, advocate and researcher dedicated to removing barriers in education and building inclusive systems. At Arizona State University, she develops programs for neurodivergent students and students with intellectual disabilities, and co-leads ASU’s Accessibility Awareness Day to improve digital access and learning environments. Her work champions equity and lasting change through education, advocacy and community leadership.
• Life Time Fitness–Life Time Fitness exemplifies inclusion through its hiring practices and programming that supports people with visible and invisible disabilities. Its ARORA program offers adaptive fitness classes, workshops and social events tailored for seniors and those with physical limitations. With a deep internal culture of belonging and wellness, Life Time fosters an inclusive environment where all employees and members feel valued.