Presidential service award presented to Peoria man

Peoria resident Ervin Cutright recently received the prestigious United States Presidential Service Award.

For more than 40 years, Cutright has been a pillar of his local community, volunteering his time and expertise to uplift others. His efforts have not only enriched the lives of those he has directly mentored but also the broader community through his involvement in various foundations and advisory boards.

Over the years, he has guided and inspired more than 3,000 athletes and students, some of whom have gone on to achieve success in the NFL and NBA. His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth is evident in his lifelong commitment to mentoring young individuals.

"Although I received numerous awards, it's an honor to receive this award. However, it's not about me. It's about encouraging our youth and young community leaders to believe in themselves, get out of their comfort zones and make impact," Cutright said.

Cutright is a licensed minister and an African American History instructor. His deep-rooted commitment to education and community service has seen him actively involved in numerous organizations.

He serves on the boards of the Arizona Community Foundation, West Valley Foundation, Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation, and the Arizona African American Advisory Board of Faith Base Leaders. Moreover, he is the board chair of the Northwest Black History Committee/Vibrant Community.

His contributions have been recognized both locally and nationally. His accolades include the prestigious NAACP Award, the Peoria Police Chief UCAN Award, and the MLK Living the Dream Award. These honors reflect his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in his community and beyond.

He is a product of Arizona State University, Glendale Community College and Dysart High School. During his time at Dysart High School, he earned All-American honors in football.

Cutright is a devoted husband to Nicki Nichols Cutwright. Together, they have nurtured a family that values education and excellence. He takes immense pride in his children, who have collectively earned 12 college degrees, including four post-graduate degrees, a testament to the values of perseverance and academic achievement he instilled in them.