The 15th annual celebration introduces “La Dolce Vista,” an Italian dinner gala on November 6. VUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Vista, CA. — Teachers who light up classrooms. A firefighter who trains the next generation of paramedics. Businesses and community leaders who show up for their neighbors year after year.
The Vista Chamber of Commerce and Vista Education Foundation today announced the honorees and finalists for the 15th Annual Heroes of Vista Awards, to be presented Friday, November 6, at the Vista Optimist Club.
Sixteen awards will be presented across education, business, public safety and community service. Headlining the evening, Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of the Vista Unified School District, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, Heroes of Vista’s highest honor.
Dr. Doyle has dedicated 36 years to public education, rising from classroom teacher to site, district and county administrator before taking the helm of Vista Unified in 2019. Colleagues credit him with exceptional leadership, a deep ethical commitment to students and a transformative vision for Vista’s schools.
This year, Heroes of Vista is getting a new look. The event moves from its traditional cocktail reception to a full dinner and awards gala under the theme “La Dolce Vista.” Guests will enjoy an Italian dinner, live performances, a special awards presentation and a few surprises.
“Fifteen years in, we’re incredibly grateful to every one of these honorees and finalists for showing us what it means to be a true Vistan,” said Rachel Beld, President & CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce. “Whether it’s in a classroom, behind a counter or on an emergency call, they show up for this community. November 6 is our chance to show up for them.”
Heroes of Vista is presented by the Vista Chamber of Commerce and benefits both the Vista Education Foundation and the Vista Chamber Foundation.
The Vista Education Foundation supports Vista students and educators through college scholarships and grants for arts, technology, vocational training and other educational programs in local schools. The Foundation serves students across Vista Unified School District and selects the education award recipients recognized each year at Heroes of Vista.
The Vista Chamber Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm, supports programs including Rising Star of the Month scholarships for local high school seniors, the Velocity Summer Internship Program connecting Vista high school students with North County employers, and civic education initiatives for local students.
Community, City & Public Safety Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent, Vista Unified School District
Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion: Bill Hornung, Humble Pie Communications
Military Veteran of the Year: CMSgt Holly Kress-Hall, USAFR (Ret.)
Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter/Paramedic Conor Frasher, Vista Fire Rescue
Sheriff of the Year: Deputy Michael Rodriguez, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Vista Station
Excellence in Public Service Award: Jennifer Edwards, Theatre Technical Coordinator, City of Vista
Education Awards
Art Educator of the Year: Jessica O’Donnell Macias, Visual Arts Teacher, Mission Vista High School
Technology Educator of the Year: Daniel Guerzon, Explore/Video Productions/Artful Learning Coordinator, Roosevelt Middle School
Administrator of the Year: Myrna Gonzalez, Assistant Principal, Foothill Oak Elementary School
Healthcare Professional of the Year: Blanca Rodriguez, Counselor/Community School Site Lead, Maryland Elementary School
Classified Employee of the Year: Stephanie Ross, Cafeteria Lead, T.H.E. Leadership Academy
Business Award Finalists
Finalists were selected by the Vista Chamber of Commerce Executive Board from nominations submitted by the community. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of Chamber chief executives from outside the region. The envelopes will remain sealed until each winner is announced from the stage on November 6.
Businessperson of the Year
Donnell Hilliard, Kingdom Kutz
Christine Hubbard, LYFF
Frank Pierce, North County Ford
Small Business of the Year
Burtech Family Vineyard
Lightweight Debris Removal
Prohibition Brewing Co.
Large Business of the Year
Dr. Bronner’s
Frazier Farms
Raising Cane’s
New Business of the Year
Gather Catering
Seven Seas Bar and Grill
vend/r
Nonprofit of the Year
Boys & Girls Club of Vista
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Solutions for Change
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at vistachamber.org/heroes.
Tickets are $200 through October 16 and $225 from October 17 through October 23. Reserved tables of eight are $1,600.
Sponsorships and named underwriting opportunities remain available at several levels. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring Heroes of Vista should contact the Vista Chamber of Commerce.
The evening runs from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Vista Optimist Club, 600 Optimist Way in Vista. The event begins with a cocktail hour and student performances, followed by an Italian dinner and awards program.
Contact Rachel Beld at 760.726.1122 x2004 or Rachel@vistachamber.org.
About the Vista Chamber of Commerce and Vista Chamber Foundation … The Vista Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth and success of businesses throughout the Vista community. Through advocacy, networking, educational programs, events and business resources, the Chamber works to foster a strong and vibrant local economy.
Its charitable arm, the Vista Chamber Foundation, supports Rising Star of the Month scholarships, the Velocity Summer Internship Program and civic education programs for Vista students. Learn more at vistachamber.org.
About the Vista Education Foundation …The Vista Education Foundation empowers the next generation of learners by providing college scholarships to deserving students and funding innovative programs in local schools. The Foundation supports arts, technology, vocational training and other educational opportunities designed to expand access and help Vista students thrive. Learn more at vistaed.org.
Heroes of Vista is presented by the Vista Chamber of Commerce and benefits the Vista Education Foundation and the Vista Chamber Foundation. Proceeds support college scholarships, educational grants, student internships and civic education for Vista students.
