By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Education Foundation once again sponsored the Heroes of Vista celebrating educators, business owners, public servants and community champions who have gone above and beyond in their chosen positions. The is the 15th Annual Heroes of Vista and this year’s theme is “La Dolce Vista”, a take on La Dolce Vita, “the sweet life”, celebrated last Friday at the Vista Optimist Club. The idea is that the life we have here in Vista is made even sweeter because of all of the people that make Vista a great place to live and work.
The evening began with a cocktail hour, meeting friends, making new friends, and networking. A 4-piece saxophone quartet, made up of 3 alumni and 1 student from Rancho Buena Vista High School, played as attendees mingled in the back courtyard of the Optimist Club. This was followed by a welcome by Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Beld who introduced the Vista High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard for the presentation of the colors. The Color Guard was made up of Cadet Staff Sergeant Brian Ramirez, Cadet Lieutenant Zachary Schnider, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Melissa Cipariano, Cadet Airman Basic Jaylean Nunez, and Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Javier Cira. The National Anthem was played by the Vista Unified School District String Ensemble, who also played during dinner. Vista Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board of Directors, Joe Henschel, followed the National Anthem with a welcome to those attending the evenings Heroes of Vista presentations. Rachel Beld then recognized a number of governmental, educational, Vista Chamber, public safety officials, and student groups assisting with the evening’s festivities. The audience was then excused to take part in a buffet dinner provided by Gather Catering.
Following dinner, the presentation of those who had been selected for the various awards began. Each recipient was introduced by a presenter, a video shown of people speaking about the award recipient and the person honored speaking. They then came to the stage and received various recognition certificates and a trophy specially designed for the event.
The following is a list of those selected for Community Awards in order of presentation recognizing their service, leadership and lasting contributions to Vista:
Veteran of the Year – CMSgt. Holly Kress-Hall, USAFR (Ret.)
Firefighter of the Year – Conor Frasher – Station 1
Sheriff of the Year – Deputy Michael Rodriguez – Vista Gang Enforcement
Excellence in Public Service Award – Jennifer Edwards, Theatre Technical Coordinator – City of Vista
Education Awards – Honoring the educators and school professionals shaping Vista’s future.
Technology Educator of the Year – Daniel Guerzon – Explore/Video Productions/Artful Learning Coordinator – Roosevelt Middle School
Art Educator of the Year – Jessica O’Donnell Macias – Visual Arts Teacher – Mission Vista High School
Healthcare Person of the Year – Blanca Rodriguez – Counselor/Community School Site Lead – Maryland Elementary School
Classified Person of the Year – Stephanie Ross – Cafeteria Lead – T.H.E. Leadership Academy
Administrator of the Year – Myrna Gonzalez – Assistant Principal – Foothill Pak Elementary School
Longevity Awards – length of membership in the Vista Chamber of Commerce
Kenny’s Car Klinic – 45 Years
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – 45 Years
Palomar Community College – 40 Years
Shadowridge Owners Association – 35 Years
Atomic Investments – 35 Years
Guajome Park Academy – 30 Years
Melco Business & Tax Service – 30 Years
CSI Cremation Services Inc. – 30 Years
Rodeo’s Meat Market, Inc. – 25 Years
Business Awards – Celebrating businesses and organizations that help Vista grow.
Businessperson of the Year – Donnell Hilliard – Kingdom Kutz
Also nominated – Christine Hubbard – Love Your Feral Felines and Frank Pierce – North County Ford
Non-Profit of the Year – Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Also nominated – Boys & Girls Club of Vista and Solutions for Change
New Business of the Year – Gather Catering
Also nominated – Seven Seas Bar & Grill and Vendr
Small Business of the Year – Lightweight Debris Removal
Also nominated – Burtech Family Vineyard & Prohibition Brewing Company
Large Business of the Year – Dr. Bronner’s
Also nominated Frazier Farms and Raising Cane’s
Community Award
Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion
Bill Hornung – Humble Pie Communications
Lifetime Achievement – Dr. Matt Doyle – Superintendent Vista Unified School District – 36 years in education and Superintendent of Vista Unified since 2019.
Proceeds from the Heroes of Vista event benefit two Vista-based nonprofits – The Vista Education Foundation and the Vista Chamber Foundation. The Education Foundation provides college scholarships to promising Vista students and also supports various endeavors and programs in the schools. The Chamber Foundation underwrites the Rising Star of the Month scholarships and the Velocity Summer Internship Program, which places Vista students into internships with local businesses.
Sponsors of the Heroes of Vista event include Advanced Financial Services, Alpha Studio Design Group, City of Vista, Educational Enrichment Systems, EDCO, ETS Productions, Dr. Bonner’s All-One, Guajome Park Academy, HPC Media, Lightweight Debris & Removal, Palomar College, Ruhnau Clarke Architect, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Solutions for Change, Vista Community Clinic, Vista Fire Rescue, Local 4107 Association, The Veterans Writing Group, Optimist Club of Vista, Vista Unified School District, and Chris Ryan Video.
