Films made by Yvonne Wan.
Article written by John Sanders, professional journalist.
The humanitarian project Focus Comic hosted its United Humanities Project 2026 award ceremony and a student graduation ceremony at the Avondale Zinc Apartments clubhouse on May 2. Military service members and first responders were recognized for their service and Focus Comic graduated numerous autistic youth who participated in its art program. Yvonne Wan, Focus Comic founder and award-winning artist hosted the event, which saw nearly 250 people in attendance.
Nine heroes were honored at the event, including Gary Michiel Montiel (US Army E-4 2001-2005), David Shuler (USMC E-4 1998-2002), Robert Charles Taylor (USMC corporal E-4 1961-1966), Carlos Emilio Lopez Hernandez (USAF Fire Service Engineer and SSgt E-5), James Deck (US Navy E-3 1985-1993), Adrian Robin Hakes (USCG petty officer 2nd class E-5 2019-2025), Mark Schweikert (Phoenix Police Department lieutenant), Vance Stein (AZDPS trooper #11724) and Kelly Sullivan (AZDPS trooper #5935).
Sullivan was honored posthumously, and in his place to accept the award was his sister-in-law Shawntilea Jesse Hames. Brandi Sullivan, Sullivan’s ex-wife, was also in attendance as well. The trooper is survived by his two sons Brody and Cooper.
“Focus comic not only recognized Trooper Kelly Sullivan as an officer, but a part of a family that stretches out through so many people for heroism and dedication, to serving and protecting the community,” Brandi said.
“It means so much to his family that people like Yvonne Wan with Focus Comic honor heroes like Trooper Kelly Sullivan. Trooper Sullivan was supposed to accept this award in person from Focus Comic and was unable to due to his tragic passing. Focus Comic made this an amazing event to honor so many heroes including the children with disabilities. Thank you for all your dedication and support for the community. You are also our Hero.”
The other eight award recipients received a complimentary legends portrait by Wan, a certificate of honor signed by attending dignitaries, trophies and challenge coins, and a complimentary photoshoot.
“Events like this remind you that what we do goes beyond the job-it’s about people,” Lopez Hernandez said. “Yvonne did an incredible job bringing this event together. It was an honor to see local heroes recognized, but what stood out most was the impact on the kids-seeing their excitement around the fire trucks and meeting first responders made it really meaningful.”
Mike Montiel, US Army Hero award recipient commented “Passing the torch of patriotism and pride in one’s community is something we need more of in our country. Events and awards like this help keep the embers alive and teach the youth the way”.
All branches of the United States military were represented, and some of the attending people and organizations were Avondale Fire and Medical, the AZDPS, Phoenix Police Department and Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo.
It was an honor and a pleasure to be part of the Focus Comic United Humanities event that recognized our Public Safety and first responder personnel,” Mayor Pizzillo said. “The event also recognized autistic children graduating from the free focus comic hero art program which celebrated autism awareness month. There were over 250 people in attendance celebrating our public safety personnel and the accomplishment of the children.”
In addition to her own Focus Comic students, Wan also had with her students from Brighton Charter School, Victory Autism Academy, SEEDs for Autism, and Inspire Academy of Schools, where she volunteered her exclusive art programming during autism awareness month.
“I thought the event was good, and I had fun watching my Dad get an award,” said Aiden, a Focus Comic student. “I liked getting stuff from the t and other military. I thought the cards with the police dogs and seeing the firetruck up close was really cool.”
Carson, another Focus Comic student, gave a similar sentiment, expressing his appreciation for what Wan’s program has to offer.
“I liked to see my Dad get honored in a program that I’m a part of,” Carson said. “He’s done a lot for me, so it was nice to see something done for him. I like how the program celebrates Autism acceptance and how being in the program helped inspire other children with autism.”
Other Focus comic students Vanessa, Silas (FKA Emily) Elora and Rylan, shared their love for the program and Hero event:
“My dad makes me proud that I’m his kid and now I know other people see he is a hero too. It means everything to know he got an award that everyone knows he deserves.’ Silas.
“I always like drawing with Miss Yvonne and she made my family so happy by showing my dad we appreciate when he was a soldier”. Vanessa.
“It’s kinda weird to see my dad with no beard but it’s nice to see him win an award.” Elora.
“The class and the graduation were fun because they were entertaining and kept me busy. I learned how to draw better. I really liked all of the gifts I got at the graduation and getting stickers from the troopers.” Rylan
The event featured a touch-a-truck activity and service dogs for youth to interact with. Pastor Reggie Holmes sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and there was a moment of silence for the trooper Sullivan.
“Its an honor paying homage to people who give the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and protection, literally laying down their lives for us,” Holmes said. “It’s the most Godly thing anyone can do.”
[Below: Luke Air Force Base Honor guard performing the Presentation of colors ceremony during the National Anthem]
One of the students parents comments: “My son loves drawing so it was fun to watch him learn how to use different techniques to improve his skills. He wants to continue the classes and I hope he can. The graduation was really nice because we got to celebrate our kids and our local heroes. My son loves cars so being able to see him interact with them was really fun for me to watch.” Laura Beach.
While the event had no formal sponsors, free supplies were provided by Blick Art Materials, Royal Talens, Yasutomo and Sculpey. Wacom also donated one of its drawing devices which was presented to the student of the month. Wan also offered the student a free digital scholarship. Zinc Apartments provided beverages and snacks for attendees.
Additional gifts were provided by the US Army, USAF, the AZDPS and Avondale Fire and Medical, and the trophies were donated by Suttons Custom. The USCG and AFMA Firefighters Charities also gave challenge coins to the children as well as the heroes.
Yvonne Wan designed a booklet for the award recipients to honor their legacy and America’s heritage:
Wan was presented with a challenge coin by the US Army and received special recognition for her contributions, including teaching almost 1000 children for free throughout April for the Focus Comic art program. On top of Focus Comic providing its own independent class rooms, Wan devoted herself to teaching youth both in person and online all across Maricopa County.
Wan exhibited her sports hero art after the graduation ceremony as part of the Focus Comic art program centered on teaching children how to draw. The art program features an original super hero with autism who “maintains dignity for autistic individuals by removing the stigma,” according to Wan. Mo, an art teacher and intern who has autism, joined Wan’s team and photography at the event was handled by someone who is neurodivergent.
“The caliber of my program is different from the others out there,” Wan said. “I bring world class programming to Maricopa, addressing humanitarian social cultural issues that need addressing and that affect autistic individuals and the community as a whole. Nearly 1/3 of Americans live with a disability so it’s the biggest minority group that needs more support.”
“It was truly an honor to be recognized, but even more meaningful to stand alongside so many men and women who serve our communities every day,” Deck said. “Focus Comic put together an incredible event that not only celebrates our heroes from the military and first responders, but also supports children with autism. It reminds us of what real impact looks like; service and community coming together.”
The heroes will gather at the State Capital of Arizona to collect the commendations that Yvonne Wan requested from the Governor of Arizona, soon.
Photo credit: Ryker Helgeson. Fermin Gonzales. Yosef and Yvonne Wan.
Film / Graphic Design credit: Yvonne Wan
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