It’s a new year, and the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame is ready to induct a new class of standout individuals from the region.

The annual celebration to honor these men and women has been set for Wednesday, March 26, at the Rio Verde Country Club, according to a press release.

The Hall of Fame class of 2025 will include Nancy Bill, Ted Blank, Linda Ferington, Rose Gonsoulin, Steve Graham, Bernie Hoenle, Cain Jagodzinski, Dr. Rev. Cathay Northrup, Scott Sommer and John Schlum (posthumously).

Legacy Honorees include The PT Conti Foundation (Peter and Theresa Conti), and the Rio Verde Roadrunner (Linda Hefter).  The individual from Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has yet to be announced.

“Our selection committee had a difficult time narrowing down the crowded field,” said chair Dori Wittrig in the release. “There were 26 individuals nominated from Fountain Hills alone. Secret ballots were turned in and the highest vote getters were named. Congratulations to all these special people.”

Peter O’Reilly is the Dinner Coordinator for the event, which will begin with a reception of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m. and continue until 6:30 p.m., when the group will convene to celebrate the 2025 inductees, the release continued. While this is a departure from the formal dinner that has occurred in the past, O’Reilly noted that Rio Verde Country Club has promised “a filling buffet of delicious, chef-created hors d’oeuvres.” There is a cash bar and full dinner table seating is available for all attendees.   

The Hall of Fame since 2004 has recognized individuals, living or deceased, whose history of involvement has contributed in some positive way to the betterment of communities within the lower Verde Valley.

Consideration for election was based on an individual’s contributions in one or more of the following categories – arts and culture, business and professional, community service, education, governmental activities and religious and spiritual activities.

There are more than 225 individuals in the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame.

Reception tickets are on sale at the Museum website, riveroftime.center/calendar_event/lower-verde-valley-hall-of-fame-dinner-2025.

Seating is limited to 200 people.

For additional information, visit lowerverdevalleyhalloffame.org.