Every year, the Town of Marana invites members of the public to nominate someone for their impacts on the community for the Branding Iron Awards and the Marana Youth Legacy Award. Recipients received their awards at the State of the Town luncheon held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at the RItz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
Cameron Walsh, Youth Legacy Award recipient
Youth Legacy Award: Cameron Walsh
The Marana Town Council created the Youth Legacy Award to acknowledge youth in the community who make Marana a better place for everyone.
Cameron Walsh was nominated for this award by his fifth-grade teacher at DeGrazia Elementary School. Cameron was the first to welcome new students into the classroom by being kind, caring, and helpful. He tutored others, including those with disabilities, and helped them to complete their math, reading, and history lessons. Cameron was voted among his peers to be the Sargent-at-Arms for student council, and in 2019, was selected to represent MUSD at the CardinalKids Combine Day at the Cardinal Stadium in Glendale AZ.
Marana Branding Irons are awarded to those who have made a "mark" on the community.
Navid Kharrazi, Branding Iron Award recipient
Individual Branding Iron Award: Navid Kharrazi
Navid Kharrazi was nominated for a branding iron award by Michael J. DiNicola for his support of veterans through “The Wing and a Prayer Horse Farm.” According to Mr. DiNicola, “Navid Karazzi has been our coach, friend, and mentor. Through animal therapy, he taught us how to ride, and he did so with an open heart.” As a Purple Heart Town, the Town of Marana is proud to recognize Navid for his support of veterans in the community.
Catherine Oberholzer, Branding Iron Award recipient
Organization Branding Iron Award: Sylvan Learning Center
Since opening Sylvan Learning Center in 2018, Catherine Oberholzer has provided tutoring services, college prep classes, STEM camps, and so much more to Marana children. Through her organization, she helps children build self-confidence and to grow academically in a positive learning environment. She never turns anyone away, even offering reduced pricing and scholarship programs to families in need, therefore giving learning opportunities to those who may not otherwise have been able to receive it.
Please join us in congratulating these Marana residents for their efforts to leave a powerful impact on the community, and continuing to make Marana a better place to live, work, and learn.
