Annual Community Awards
Presented by Scottsdale Leadership
Drinkwater Leadership Award
The Drinkwater Community Leadership Award reminds us that many people who knew Herb Drinkwater often referred to him as “Mr. Scottsdale”. No matter whom he spoke with, he had a broad smile, a warm demeanor, a friendly handshake, and gusto for life as extraordinary as an Arizona sunrise. The Honorable Herb Drinkwater was fearless. With business cards in hand, he was always willing to introduce Scottsdale to people who may be interested or willing to move their business to Scottsdale. He served more than 25 years as Scottsdale’s Mayor and as a City Council member. Herb is remembered as a friend to everyone; as mayor, his approval rating was more than 90%! It is because of Herb’s purposeful living and positive intent for the community he loved, that Scottsdale Leadership honors a community leader with the Drinkwater Leadership Award each year.
Hodges Alumni Achievement Award
The Hodges Alumni Achievement Award honors a Scottsdale Leadership alumni who demonstrate the passion and commitment Frank Hodges had for his community. As an Assistant Fire Chief with Rural Metro and a Class 1 alumnus of Scottsdale Leadership, Frank’s dedication to the people of Scottsdale knew no boundaries. His efforts were tireless. Work was never work to Frank as he simply found great satisfaction as a firefighter and by helping and being involved with the people of his community. Frank welcomed the new as an old friend and embraced diversity and inclusion. Frank’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched. Scottsdale Leadership honors his life, spirit, and dedication through this annual Alumni Achievement Award.
Jenkins Youth Leadership Award
The Jenkins Youth Leadership Award honors William C. (Bill) Jenkins. As a 29-year Scottsdale High School teacher, Bill worked tirelessly for his students in the Social Sciences department and as their student government advisor. As Scottsdale’s Mayor from 1974 - 1980, Bill took Scottsdale through rapid growth and through a recession. His accomplishments were many and included building the first Scottsdale Senior Center, as well as completing the City Hall, Vista del Camino, and Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt projects. Bill was a classic example of an unassuming, genuine, community-minded man. Awarding of the Jenkins Youth Leadership Award includes a $2,000 scholarship.
Dr. Art DeCabooter Scholarship Award
The Dr. Art DeCabooter Scholarship Award provides a full-tuition scholarship to a worthy incoming Scottsdale Leadership class participant and is reflective of how many people knew Art DeCabooter as a true servant leader. He continuously served Scottsdale in dozens of civic leadership positions since arriving in Scottsdale in 1978 as President of Scottsdale Community college, serving in that position for 30 years. Art was the catalyst from the beginning of the “Save the McDowells” movement resulting in the establishing of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. His chairing of the Preserve Commission resulted in the preservation of over 20,000 acres of pristine Scottsdale desert land. Dr. DeCabooter was the key voice in helping Scottsdale’s business and development communities recognize the value and the role of the city’s natural landscape in its economic viability and attractiveness as a business location. His local and state awards are numerous and most cite his dedication to the environment, education, and community collaboration
Scottsdale Leadership Annual Awards Past Recipients
2021 - Don Carson
2020 - Janie Ellis
2019 - Bill Walton
2018 - Diane Cusack
2017 - Charlie Smith
2016 - Tom Sadvary
2015 - The Honorable Mary Manross
2014 - Bill Schrader
2013 - Gary Shapiro
2012 - Mary King
2011 - Rachel Sacco
2010 - Betty Drake
2009 - Marc Miller
2008 - William “Bill” Soderquist
2007 - Tim Bray
2006 - William “Bill” Mack
2005 - Sam Campana
2004 - Don Ruff
2003 - Paul R. Messinger
2002 - William “Bill” Jenkins
2001 - Marion Saba
2000 - Frances Young
1999 - Art DeCabooter, Ph. D.
Selection Criteria and Nomination Information for Award Nominees
Nominations for this award are based upon contributions in:
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Community Service and Involvement: A record of extensive community service which demonstrates a commitment to Scottsdale Leadership’s core values: Engagement; Inclusion; Connection; Courage; and Stewardship.
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Leadership: Recognition by others as both a leader and a mentor; Accomplishment of significant goals through leadership; History of leadership roles in various organizations and/or community initiatives.
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Consistency of Community Involvement: Contributions to the community have been consistent and extensive over an extended period of time.
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Humanitarian Values: Exemplifies warmth, caring, inclusivity, and concern for all of varying backgrounds and constituencies; Demonstrates the ability to work well with different groups of people.
Please note: Scottsdale Leadership alumni are not eligible for this award.