Prom Night at the Edge: Honoring the Volunteers Who Make Our Theater Possible

This past weekend, Inspiration’s Edge gathered for something truly special — our very first Annual Volunteer Appreciation: Prom Night.

Held as a formal event, volunteers and guests arrived dressed to impress with sparkles, suits, gowns, bold colors, and even bolder personalities. From the moment people stepped onto the red carpet (complete with our very own paparazzi), the night felt like a celebration worthy of the community that keeps IE thriving.

Inside the venue, guests enjoyed catered tacos, desserts, a playful photo booth, dancing, and cozy corners filled with laughter and storytelling. It was festive, joyful, beautifully decorated — and, most of all, filled with the people who show up early, stay late, rehearse for hours, adapt gracefully, build together, and turn possibility into theatre.

More than anything, this night was about honoring the volunteers who make Inspiration’s Edge possible.

Each award recipient was selected through open nominations from volunteers, patrons, and community members; those who have personally witnessed the kindness, contribution, and heart behind everything our volunteers do.

Below, we proudly share the full list of honorees and the stories behind their recognition.

2025 Core Value Award Winners

Safety — Jericho McNeltier

Jericho is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, modeling safe setup and teardown and teaching others how to lift, move, and manage equipment responsibly. Just as importantly, he creates a judgment-free space where everyone feels welcome to show up exactly as they are. He checks in with new and returning volunteers, asks thoughtful questions, and sets clear boundaries in classes and rehearsals so people and bodies stay safe. When stress rises, Jericho’s calm presence, direct compassion, and legendary hugs remind us we’re supported. Tonight we recognize a steady guardian of both well-being and community.

Empathy — Ian Ferris

Ian leads by listening first. From rehearsals that begin with genuine check-ins to late-night calls to ensure someone feels safe with a character choice, he makes space for every voice. He welcomes all with kindness, asks thoughtful questions, and lifts ideas so creativity can flourish. Whether in board meetings, committee work, or productions, Ian’s patience and presence turn concerns into collaboration and mistakes into learning. He shows us that leadership with heart builds the strongest teams. Thank you, Ian, for setting the tone of care at Inspiration’s Edge.

Inclusivity — Alon Evans

Alon radiates welcome. He greets volunteers, cast, crew, and audiences with genuine enthusiasm—making introductions, offering help, and ensuring everyone knows they belong. Kids and newcomers alike light up around him because he makes room for every person and every story. From Rotating Players to Late Company to the Tea Party, Alon’s warmth bridges gaps and strengthens community. Thank you, Alon, for turning every space into a home.

Integrity — Virginia Sulick

Virginia does what she says she will do—and she does it the right way. She speaks candidly and thoughtfully, offering concerns and ideas with care for people and the mission. In meetings, events, and rehearsals, she balances bold honesty with deep listening, keeping us aligned with our values while moving the work forward. Thank you, Virginia, for reminding us that integrity is courageous, collaborative, and contagious.

Co-Creativity — Austin Shupe

As Musical Director for The Rocky Horror Show, Austin built a live band from scratch and guided actors, production, and musicians with humility and clarity. He listened, adapted, and elevated every idea—shaping IE’s first musical into a joyous milestone. His generosity of time and talent—and his unflappable presence—made the process collaborative, brave, and fun. Thank you, Austin, for making room for everyone’s voice and raising the whole.

Growth — Tiffany Crocker

Tiffany says “yes” to new challenges—onstage and off—and then does the work to rise. She jumped into roles she’d never tried, learned fast, and delivered with heart. She shows up to help, tackles bigger responsibilities, and inspires others to stretch with her. Watching Tiffany step into a demanding musical role and absolutely shine was a powerful moment for all of us. Thank you, Tiffany, for modeling brave learning and steady dedication.

Innovation — Robert Nagby

Since becoming Treasurer, Robert has transformed our fiscal systems—building forms, policies, trainings, and tools that make transparency practical and stewardship strong. He streamlines complex processes in QuickBooks and Ludus, shares templates, and equips the board to make ethical, informed decisions. Week after week, he brings fresh solutions that protect the public trust and empower the mission. Thank you, Robert, for innovating on behalf of our whole community.

Innovation — Emily Riley

Emily dreamed up the Desert Drama Dash and made it real; combining theatre and athletics in a way the Hi-Desert hadn’t seen. Partnering with Parks & Rec and the local Run Club, she built bridges, grew participation, and opened new doors for community engagement. Her positive, can-do spirit turns ideas into action and action into momentum. Thank you, Emily, for showing how bold creativity moves our mission forward.

Celebration — Heidi Marshall

Heidi champions people. In rehearsals, backstage, and board work, she notices effort, names growth, and keeps gratitude front and center. From implementing our “trapline” physical media system to stepping into tech and stage management, she works hard and lifts others higher. Her kindness, consistency, and public praise make teams feel seen—and make great work possible. Thank you, Heidi, for celebrating everyone and reminding us why this matters.

Celebration — Imelda Patu

Imelda is the heartbeat of appreciation at IE. She checks in intentionally, listens deeply, and quietly ensures people have what they need—often while running point on major events. As Volunteer Coordinator, she tracks, communicates, and recognizes service with humility and care. She led planning for this very evening, turning gratitude into an experience. Thank you, Imelda, for celebrating others so beautifully and so often.

Keystone of Inspiration Award

Liyan McNeltier

Our highest honor recognizes someone who embodies the mission and values of Inspiration’s Edge; someone who turns vision into structure, inspiration into action, and collaboration into community, and creativity into possibility.

Liyan’s leadership has shaped every part of IE. She leads with Safety and Empathy, creating spaces where people feel protected, heard, and welcome. She champions Inclusivity, inviting authentic selves and diverse voices to co-author our story. With steadfast Integrity, she does the right thing even when it’s the hard thing; whether honoring licensing agreements, stewarding resources, or pausing to weigh a decision’s impact on both finances and people.

She ignites Co-Creativity by recognizing that when everyone brings their strengths, even those stronger than her own, the result is something none of us could create alone. She models Growth through self-awareness, accountability, and commitment to learning, and she drives Innovation, solving the challenges of a mobile theatre with ingenuity from new internal operation systems to a thriving merch shop and inventive fundraising. And through it all, she leads with Celebration, always recognizing fellow volunteers, artists, and partners so the whole community shines.

Inspiration’s Edge exists and has excelled in its inaugural season because Liyan turns inspiration into infrastructure and possibility into practice. She has given her time, talent, and heart to every show, event, meeting, and project, proving that art and community can be built with both imagination and discipline.

Liyan, your perseverance, generosity, and belief in people have shaped what Inspiration’s Edge is and will become. On behalf of all of us: thank you for being our keystone.

A Night of Joy, Gratitude, and Community

To every volunteer who joined us in celebration and appreciation:

You inspire us more than you know — and we are endlessly grateful.

This night was for you, because this theater is co-created by you.