The first Memorial Trophy for Feis in the Desert, the Debbie Johnson Memorial Trophy is sponsored by Margie Miranda, grandmother of Brandy Johnson. Margie's daughter and Brandy's aunt, Debbie, was killed in car crash when a teenager in Mesa, Arizona. Margie enjoyed watching Irish dancing and faithfully attended the annual Feis in the Desert.

The Anamarie Kelly Memorial Trophy is given in memory of a loving, giving, talented, and angelic sister, daughter, and friend. Even at the tender age of 13, she carried herself with an unconditional love and respect for everyone and for life.  She began her Irish dance life in St. Louis, MO, and continued briefly with the Bracken School of Irish Dance when the Kellys moved to Chandler.  She is remembered for her smile, laugh, Catholic faith and Irish spirit that was a true gift.  Anamarie was a true blessing and will forever be in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

One of the first perpetual trophies for boys, this trophy is in memory of the ancestors of Donna Davis Ahmirhamzeh Gladysiewski. Davis regonizes the immigration of her Welsh family to America, Ahmirhamzeh for her Iranian husband, Abdi who passed away as a proud American citizen. And Gladysiewski for her son’s grandparents who immigrated from Poland. This trophy represents the richness and diversity of Irish Dance in our global community. It represents the unity that can be gleaned from something as simple as dance and how, if only for a few moments, we are one with the world.

The C. "Mickey" Reynolds  Trophy is in loving memory of Catherine C. Reynolds. The nickname "Mickey" was actually given to her by her father who immigrated to the USA from County Mayo, Ireland. He happened to work for Universal Studios the year his black-haired daughter was born and nicknamed her "Mickey" after the newly created and now famous, Mickey Mouse. Mickey's proud Irish heritage was passed onto her children and grandchildren. Irish songs were sung at every family gathering. How thrilled she was when her oldest grandchild, Kirsten Hahn of The Bracken School, took up Irish Dancing!
The Slipjig was always Mickey's favorite dance.  Upon her passing in 2003, friends and family  thought  that best way to honor Mickey was to create this award, the C. "Mickey" Reynolds, Open Championship Slip Jig Special.

The Prior family has been involved in the Irish Community in the Valley from the time Sean and Patricia met over 30 years ago. Dara, Adele and Brendan began dancing as soon as the teachers said they were coordinated enough to dance. Irish dance became a significant part of their lives, from classes, exhibitions, dancing at schools, senior citizen homes and of course Feiseanna in Arizona and California. The Prior Trophy is presented annually to boys, hopefully to show that boys are important in the dance community, and to encourage them to continue and promote Irish Heritage.

Michael J. Callaghan was born in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland in 1903, the eldest of 13 children.  As you can imagine, there was much gaiety, music and dance in that household!  He was a true lover of the Irish dance, and enjoyed doing a hornpipe at every festive occasion for as long as he lived.  He met and married Sarah Gavin from Westport, County Mayo and had 7  children, who were encouraged and trained in the ways of the Irish culture.  This trophy was established in Michael Sr.'s honor, as the memories and ambitions of his descendents continue to keep the spirit of our glorious traditions alive.  Long may the dance live, and continue to lighten our hearts and bring us smiles.

This trophy honors the memory of James Joseph Cahill, Sr. Jim was born on April 28, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Josephine Cahill, who had emigrated from County Limerick, Ireland about ten years before Jim’s birth.  Jim always treasured his Irish heritage and especially enjoyed watching his granddaughter Katie dance a jig.  Jim passed way on October 26, 2005. He will be remembered as a fine Irishman with a grand laugh.

Robin Michelle Johnson passed away on September 2, 2002, at the age of 41. She was an integral part of her daughter Brandy's dancing career as well as of the Bracken School of Irish Dance. Robin's presence for many years co-hosting the "Door" of our Feis was much appreciated as she was always a part of that "first impression" of cheerful helpfulness for our Feis in the Desert. Robin was tragically killed by a drunk driver early in the morning on her way to work. She was a much-loved member of the Irish Dance Community and will always be remembered for her dedication and love for her daughter and Irish Dancing.

Suzanne Houghtelin, who passed away in 2002, was a gifted leader and
an inspiration to her children and to her friends.  She was in the United

States Navy and the Coast Guard, she was the first woman on board the Coast Guard Cutter Dallas. The Irish Community was very important to her. She competed in adult solo and ceili categories and encouraged all of her children to dance whenever, and as much as possible. Her daughter, Sarah, reflects that her mother was her biggest fan. As one of the founders of the Celtic Living History Foundation, she felt very strongly about preserving the crafts and traditional dress of the Celts during the 16th century. She was a very creative woman and encouraged all around her, especially her children and grandchildren. Her husband, John, her three children - Sarah, Bill and Ana, and her four grandchildren - Zella, Mia Rae, Eidan, and Cael - are so grateful to have had her as a part of their lives. She will be missed dearly.