Alumni: The Warren Award
Each year, the VVS Board of Trustees honors alumni and former faculty by bestowing the Warren Award to those whose lives and work strongly reflect the VVS mission through their professional achievement, service to humanity, or creative excellence. Warren Awards are presented at Reunion Weekend.

The Warren Awards are presented annually by the VVS Board of Trustees to outstanding alumni and former faculty whose lives and work strongly reflect the VVS mission. Forged from the vision, dedication, and deep humanity of its founders, Ham and Babs Warren, that mission has guided this school for almost 70 years.
It’s not difficult to identify these VVS family members whose lives strongly reflect the VVS mission. Verde Valleans all over the world, and from several generations, exhibit academic excellence, intercultural understanding and tolerance, environmental stewardship, willingness to serve others, creative expression, and value of physical labor.
There are three award categories and one person in each category may be nominated for an award. The descriptions below define the basis for each of the three awards.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements and success of a Verde Valley School alum or former faculty within his or her profession or field of endeavor. The recipient will have made significant contributions and gained the respect and admiration of their professional peers and a wider community.
SERVICE TO HUMANITY
This award recognizes a Verde Valley School alum or former faculty whose work and/or life strongly embody this central principle of the VVS mission: “Service to Humanity with a Willing Spirit.” This individual is honored for their significant humanitarian contributions and for the example provided to current and future VVS students and their families.
CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements and success of a Verde Valley School alum or former faculty in an artistic or creative profession or field of endeavor. The recipient will have made significant contributions and gained the respect and admiration of their professional peers and a wider community.
Warren Award Recipients

David Calley ‘81

Christopher Szecsey ’67

Chris Horner ’71

Carol Tantau ’63

Rick Ridder ‘71

Richard Register ’65

Jean Strouse ’63

Celia Lowenstein ’71

Dr. James Sarn

Marcia Bisgyer Avallone ’71

John Blaustein ‘65

Dr. Michael Trujillo ‘61

Teresa Gipson ’75

Kenneth Hale ’52

Bruce “Pacho” Lane ’55

R. Mac Holbert ’65

Prof. David Shambaugh ’71

Ramona Sakiestewa ’66

Tim Fuller ’61

Jeff Perkins ’72