The East Valley Institute of Technology is the best public school in Mesa, according to readers of the East Valley Tribune.

The Tribune released the results of its annual Best of Mesa competition on March 28. Not only was EVIT named Best Public School, but also placed first as Best Place to Work. In addition, Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson was voted Best Education Leader and Graphic/Web Design instructor Eric Perez was voted Best High School Teacher.

Wilson and Perez were profiled in the Tribune on Sunday.

“I have the privilege and honor of going every day to work in an organization that is truly committed to changing lives by loving our students and serving our communities,” Wilson said. “Other organizations may say it, but EVIT does it.”

Perez said that the students are his favorite part of working at EVIT. “They keep me on my toes. I share my knowledge with them and they share their knowledge with me,” he said. “I wake up happy and excited every day to come to work because of them.”

EVIT instructors swept the Best High School Teacher category with Medical Careers teacher Tammy Powers placing second and Early Childhood Education teacher Paula Corbin placing third as “reader recommended” in that category. Radio/Audio Production instructor Dave Juday earned an Honorable Mention.

In other results:

• EVIT Director of Legal Services Kevin Koelbel placed second as Best Lawyer.
• EVIT placed second as Best Kept Secret.
• EVIT placed third for Best Customer Service.

To read more about the 2021 Best of Mesa Awards, visit www.eastvalleytribune.com/best_of_mesa.