Photos: The 2025 Mayor’s Ability Awards in Old Town Scottsdale at Western Spirit
Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, recently hosted the 2025 Mayor’s Ability Scholarship Awards, a celebration of the contributions and achievements of individuals with disabilities in our community.
“This event highlights the power of ability in our community and the remarkable talents that individuals with disabilities bring to Scottsdale,” said Mayor Lisa Borowsky. “I was very impressed with our scholarship winners and the recipient of our inaugural ‘Ability Advocate’ award. The ceremony was a vibrant display of stories and accomplishments.”
For more than 30 years and through grant dollar contributions, the Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities — through the generous support of the Gila River Indian Community — provides qualified students living with a disability with educational financial assistance to support success in future employment.
This year’s scholarship winners are:
- Grace Brennan
- Cassandra Coppo
- Maximus DelGarbino
- Lilia Edwards
- Aspen Hardin
- Hunter Kelly
- Christian Stouse
Each Scholarship winner’s journey underscores resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making Scottsdale a more accessible and welcoming place for everyone, representatives at the Mayor’s Office of Scottsdale say.
One of the afternoon’s highlights was keynote speaker Ken‑yon Jones, a previous scholarship award winner. Another notable award was the first delivery of the Community Advocate Award, which honored Scottsdale resident Gretchen Jacobs.
Ms. Jacobs is a passionate and persistent advocate for disability rights who has turned personal tragedy into legislative action in the recent positive moment of Ava’s Law.
Ava’s Law, which is named after Ms. Jacobs’ daughter, requires all Arizona schools to request details of job applicants’ employment disciplinary history — not only for teaching positions but for all roles — including non-certified aides, cafeteria workers and janitors.
“The 2025 Mayor’s Ability Awards successfully showcased the talent and determination of individuals with disabilities,” Mayor Borowsky said. “It reinforced the message that a truly thriving community is one that embraces and celebrates human beings in all their forms.”
