This year’s event featured a keynote address by former NFL star Ricky Watters, who was honored for his work with at-risk youth. Photo courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree.
This year’s event featured a keynote address by former NFL star Ricky Watters, who was honored for his work with at-risk youth. Photo courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree.
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree proudly celebrated its 40th annual “A Night of Excellence” scholarship ceremony on May 5, honoring 32 outstanding high school seniors with $550,000 in scholarships.
Held at the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, the event drew record attendance as students from across the North Valley were recognized for their academic achievements and commitment to their future goals. The recipients will pursue studies at colleges, universities and trade schools of their choice.
“To choose from this year’s record-breaking number of applications was no easy task,” said Janet Greer, Kiwanis scholarship chair. “This class represents one of the most diverse and accomplished groups we’ve ever honored.”
Since its inception, the Kiwanis Club of Carefree has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to support local youth. This year’s event also featured a keynote address by former NFL star Ricky Watters, a five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XXIX champion. Watters was honored with the prestigious Kiwanis 2025 “Champion for Kids” award for his work with at-risk youth.
“We were thrilled to recognize Ricky Watters for his dedication to children,” said Greer. “His message and mission truly align with our values.”
The Kiwanis Club extends its gratitude to the Kiwanis Marketplace, sponsors, volunteers and community members whose continued support powers the foundation’s 18 committees and broad charitable outreach.
For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, visit kiwaniscarefree.org.
Kiwanis Club of Carefree is part of the CITYSunTimes sponsored content program called Spotlight.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Your comment has been submitted.
Reported
There was a problem reporting this.
Log In
Thank you for taking part in our commenting section. We want this platform to be a safe and inclusive community where you can freely share ideas and opinions. Comments that are racist, hateful, sexist or attack others won’t be allowed. Just keep it clean. Do these things or you could be banned:
• Don’t name-call and attack other commenters. If you’d be in hot water for saying it in public, then don’t say it here.
• Don’t spam us.
• Don’t attack our journalists.
Let’s make this a platform that is educational, enjoyable and insightful.
Email questions to mtalsma@orourkemediagroup.com.
Our Weekly Headlines newsletter will get you up to speed on news, events & more
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Have the latest local news and things to do delivered to your inbox weekly so you don’t miss any updates.
CITYSunTimes is a monthly community newspaper established in 2002. The complimentary niche market publication serves the expanding Northeast Valley communities of Arizona’s Phoenix Metropolitan area. Readers live in Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills and surrounding areas. Our online edition at CITYSunTimes.com expands our reach with coverage across Queen Creek, the East Valley, and beyond—bringing local stories to life wherever you are.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: