Scottsdale Leadership Is Proud to Announce the
2024 Spirit of Community
Awards Recipients
2024
Drinkwater Leadership
Award Winner
Peter Rusin
The 2024 Drinkwater Leadership Award winner is Peter Rusin. Peter is the President of Health World Inc. He epitomizes many of Mayor Drinkwater’s values through his community advocacy and the positive impact he has had in Scottsdale. He has provided countless hours of support for the mission of Community Celebrating Diversity which is to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity and to seek respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity, as a member of the organization's board. He is a true champion of children and community. Peter is a big supporter of the SUSD Service Learning Program and led the charge for their “How Do You Serve?” campaign, providing volunteers with opportunities to assist students in achieving their goals. Peter is the co-creator of Horsense, a youth equestrian camp, now in their 24th year.
2024
Hodges Alumni Achievement
Award Winner
Brian Bednar
The 2024 Hodges Alumni Achievement Award winner is Brian Bednar. Brian is the Strategic Account Manager for Salt River Project. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Fiesta Bowl since 1996 and is currently on the Charitable Giving Committee. Since becoming a member of the Yellow Jacket Committee with the Fiesta Bowl he has been involved with nearly every facet of the organization and has served as chair for numerous events. In 2017 he was awarded the “Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award”. Brian is a Scottsdale Leadership Class 20 Alumnus and served as President of the board as well as currently serving as a member of the Advisory Council. Brian has made a significant contributions through his long-term commitment to mentoring others and helped create a new pilot program at SRP called “Sports Buddies” for Big Brothers and Sisters.
2024
Frances Young Trailblazer
Award Winner
Erica Tatum-Sheade
The 2024 winner of the inaugural Frances Young Trailblazer Award is Erica Tatum-Sheade. As a registered play therapist, specializing in child and adolescent mental health and trauma, Erica is a tireless advocate for children. She works with marginalized children as a 10-year Maricopa County Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer. She created and delivered a curriculum for girls’ self-esteem and empowerment entitled “G.E.M.S. – Girls Empowered, Motivated and Strong.” Erica always leaps headfirst into everything she does for the community and for better mental health for children. She is the co-founder of “Black Therapists in AZ”, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health in the Black community. She was named the 2022 NASW Arizona Social Worker of the Year. Frances Young would be proud to see Erica named the first ever Frances Young Trailblazer Award Winner.
2024
Jenkins Youth Leadership
Award Winner
Brick Shultz
2024 Bill Jenkins Youth Leadership Award winner is Brick Shultz. Brick is a highly gifted senior attending Saguaro High School. He excels in every area of academia, maintaining an exceptional GPA, while finding time to take part in varsity baseball, leading the student cheering section at sporting events, and serving as the school choir president, as well as on the Make-a-Wish Youth Leadership Council. He demonstrates growing leadership skills serving on the SUSD Superintendent's Student Advisory Board and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Math and Science Academy. Beyond these personal accomplishments he shows a generosity of spirit to faculty and classmates and is someone who strives to make their environment more inclusive and united. He plans to continue his education pursuing a degree in finance and wants to start his own business.