Duane Wooten, M.D. was recognized with six other leaders and a couple as a Prestigious Arizona Historymaker on Feb 19.

Duane Wooten, M.D. was honored as one of the Historical League’s Inc., chosen Arizona Historymakers of 2025 at the Arizona Heritage Center’s announcing celebration in Tempe.

More than 100 guests were introduced to the new Historymakers’ accomplishments, and contributions in the world of agriculture, medicine and community outreach.

In presenting Dr. Wooten, Historical League’s Committee Co-Chairman Diane Smith highlighted him as a well-known pediatrician and South Phoenix community leader. From the age of 8, Wooten knew he wanted to be a doctor.

He grew up in the Matthew Henson Housing Project and attended Phoenix Day. He excelled at Maryvale High School and attended Northwestern majoring in pre-med and graduating in only three years. Medical school was at the University of Arizona. He returned to his South Phoenix roots, and over the years through his pediatric practice, he has served nearly 43,000 children.

Along with Wooten, the 2025 Historymakers included Bob Boze Bell, Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, John W. Graham, Sharon Harper and Oliver Harper, M.D, Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, M.D., F. Ronald “Ron” Rayner, and Eric M. Reiman, M.D.

Also recognized during the evening were past Arizona Historymakers Elizabeth White, Honorable Jim Bruner, Stevie Eller, Merrill Mahaffey; and Harry and Rose Papp.

The night celebrated Arizona’s statehood, and a tribute to White on her 102nd birthday.

The Arizona Historymakers’ program created in 1992 by the Historical League Inc., awards Arizona individuals, who have distinguished themselves with noted achievements and have maintained their ties to Arizona. To date more than 90 Historymakers have been honored over the years at celebration events, and inclusion in the Historymakers Hall exhibit at the Arizona Heritage Center.

Their videos, oral histories and transcripts are uploaded to the League’s website, YouTube, and preserved in the Library and Archives of Arizona Historical Society’s Heritage Center at Papago Park.

The Historymaker Committee is presenting Turquoise & Treasures, a celebration evening Oct. 25 to honor and share how the 2025 Arizona Historymakers have contributed to Arizona and the nation.