Marana Mayor Ed Honea with KGUN9’s Denelle Veselik
Mayor Ed Honea with the Marana Junior Softball All-Star team
MARANA- Mayor Ed Honea presented the 2024 Branding Iron Awards to KGUN9 Anchor Denelle Veselik and the Marana Junior Softball All-Star Team at the State of the Town luncheon on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
The Branding Iron Awards honor members of the public for their service to the community.
“Denelle Veselik has been praised by members of our community for her remarkable contributions to journalism and commitment to community engagement. Over the past decade, she has pursued stories that resonate with Marana, using her platform to shed light on vital issues and amplify the voices of those who need to be heard. Her reporting exemplifies a deep sense of responsibility and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Her presence on social media reflects her commitment to connecting with the audience and creating a bridge between the newsroom and the community. Denelle’s dedication to investigative reporting is truly commendable. She has become a respected and trusted figure in Marana and Southern Arizona, embodying the qualities that the Branding Iron Award seeks to honor. Congratulations, Denelle!”
“The 2023 Marana Little League Jr. Softball Team left quite a mark on the community this past season as the first team from Marana to ever make the Little League World Series. This team, made up of a wonderful group of girls and coaches, showed how determination, perseverance, and hard work can help you accomplish your goals. After losing in the West Region Playoffs in 2022, this team set their minds to the 2023 season, playing and practicing weekly and growing together as a group. Each player dedicated time to the game, and in 2023, they set goals to not only get back to the West Region playoffs, but to win it and become the first team from Marana Little League to participate in a Little League World Series. It was for this game that friends, family members, and neighbors turned their attentions to ESPN in a heartwarming display of unity and pride for their community. This team represented Marana well and the community is proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations!”
About the Marana Branding Iron Awards
Marana Branding Irons are awarded to those who have made a "mark" on the community. Two Branding Irons are awarded each year:
One in the Individual category (includes an individual resident or non-resident who works in Marana).
One in the Organization category (includes civic groups, non-profits, and private businesses)
