Families First Coalition seeking list of nominees for 2020

Submission deadline is June 12.

Nearly 30 individuals, businesses and civic groups have been honored in recent years with the White River Communities Champion Award. Now, it’s time for a new round of nominations.

“There are so many amazing people and organizations doing great work in our community, we didn’t want a pandemic to get in the way of recognizing these people and organizations,” states a letter that has made the rounds throughout the Buckley area. “There are many wonderful individuals and groups who give of their time and talent to help others and make both small and large contributions within the White River School District.

“Their contributions do not go unnoticed, be it within their organization, school or community they serve in, or by the lives they change along the way. They are often behind the scenes, or the extent of how they impact others is not always known. For many, it is their life’s work.”

The White River Communities Champion Award annually recognizes the commitment of those who make the White River School District a better place to live, learn and grow.

Nominations for 2020 honors will be accepted through June 12 and this year’s recipients will be announced during the June 22 meeting of the Families First Coalition.

The following criteria define who can be nominated:

• An individual or group that has made a powerful difference in the community without necessarily having the benefit of holding office, a title or a position;

• An individual or group who has contributed to the health and well-being of the community’s youth and families;

• An individual or group that goes above and beyond what is expected of them as a volunteer or in their professional role.

Those who have previously been honored are not eligible for nomination.

Here’s a link to the online nomination form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0N7rLGijy-US2Cuyhn15fs7Knmqi-qSz2xzIFtA_gi24eQA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1. Or, applications forms are available by emailing Mary Beth Holmes at: marybethholmesprc@gmail.com.

PREVIOUS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

2019: Rose Clark, Sandra Smith, Fred and Mary Lou Haskel/BL Seventh-day Adventist Community Outreach.

2018: Brandy Alonzo, Meagan Rhoades, Buckley Youth Activity Center, White River Home Towns.

2017: Alan Predmore, Gary and Jan Burley, White River Education Foundation.

2016: Pat Valentine, Martha Olsen, Molen Orthodontics.

2015: Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank, Tyler Ussery, Community Presbyterian Church.

2014: Bill Boyle, Dianne Campbell, Buckley Kiwanis Club.

2013: Meri Kay Schiller, Bob Thompson, Arrow Lumber.