Secondary Transition Services Awards
Recognize outstanding contributions to secondary transition services across Arizona. Download our digital flyer to learn more and nominate a youth/young adult, community member, or educator for their exceptional efforts.
2026 Secondary Transition Services Award Winners
2027 Submissions for Secondary Transition Awards
Interested in submitting student artwork or nominating an individual for the Secondary Transition Services Awards for Arizona’s 2027 IDEA Conference?
Whether you know someone who has gone above and beyond in secondary transition services, or a talented student artist with a story to tell—we want to hear from you!
Scan the QR Code to or access the collection form to complete our interest form. The ADE/ESS Secondary Transition team will follow up with you!
Jade Lucas: Youth/Young Adult Award Winner
Jade is a proud Centennial High School graduate who is successfully transitioning into adulthood with a clear vision for her future. Through her collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation, Jade has built a strong foundation for her postsecondary and career goals.
Jade plans to attend Pima Medical Institute to become a certified veterinary technician, combining her passion for animal care with her long-term goal of working in wildlife preservation. After college, she hopes to gain experience at an Arizona wildlife reserve before continuing preservation and rehabilitation work in Colorado.
Dolores Johnson: Community Member Award Winner
Dolores Johnson is the Executive Director of the Friends of the Tempe Library. Before joining the Friends, she spent 33 years with the City of Tempe Recreation Department, primarily at Escalante Community Center, where she developed programs for preschoolers, youth, teens, adults, and seniors.
Her work included early childhood education, reading programs, community service opportunities for teens, computer classes, and neuroplasticity activities for older adults. Passionate about lifelong learning and community engagement, Dolores is especially proud of connecting teens with volunteer opportunities that help them build valuable skills while giving back to the community.
Rae-Leyn Lubick Cholla Academy: Educator Award Winner
She is a Secondary Transition Specialist and Behavior Interventionist at Cholla Academy in Glendale, Arizona, supporting students and families with transition planning, self-advocacy, and post-secondary readiness.
With a background in Human Services and Behavioral Science, she brings strong experience in special education and behavior supports. She is known for her calm, consistent, student-centered approach that builds confidence and equips students with practical tools for adulthood. Her work is shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience, and she is committed to creating equitable, connected transition systems for students and families.
Yuma Union High School Kacie Baker: Educator Award Winner
Born and raised in San Diego, she moved to Arizona to begin her career in education, teaching general education across grades K–8 for five years. She earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and am now in her second year as a Transition Specialist with the Yuma Union High School District, where she is passionate about supporting students with disabilities and their families in preparing for life.
She values the collaboration among students, families, educators, and community partners that makes successful transitions possible. She is grateful for the support of her husband, Travis. Together, they have three children, one of whom has autism and ADHD—an experience that strengthens her commitment to advocacy.
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