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2008 Nominations Division: Individual J.
David Anderson - David
Anderson, Assistant Artistic Director Children's Center for Dance
Education, instructs the students in Harwood Middle School's Ballet after
school program which he developed three years ago. David has a vision
for sharing the art of dance and executes it to benefit the cultural needs
of the children of our community. Verdelski
Miller - Verdelski
Miller, instructor of the Boom Squad, selflessly rolls up his sleeves
and works with children. He is a walking example of a true
servant leader spending three hours, three days a week working with 45-60
kids. Rosemary
Rooney - For
over 40 years, Rosemary Rooney has been dedicated to the children at the
Boys & Girls Club of Evansville. Through her persistent
volunteer service, the lives of thousands of kids have been touched and
bettered.
Michael
Shoulders - Architect
Michael Shoulders is an artist in motion and his canvas is our city. His
innovative, eco-friendly designs have become some of Evansville's most
notable landmarks. Architects are artists of the environment and
Shoulders' master works reveal his inspired vision of creating projects
that lure visitors to the city while improving our Darrel
Bigham - Dr.
Darrel Bigham has been on the University of Southern Indiana > faculty
since 1970. In those 38 years, he continues to share the history of
the Southwest Indiana region beyond just teaching. Darrel has written nine
books with many being a historical focus of the tri-state region. Cathy
Gray - As Dr.
Seuss wrote in "The Lorax,...unless someone like you cares a whole
awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not!" Cathy Gray is
someone who cares, "a whole awful lot." As a kindergarten
teacher she saw children with unmet needs--many of which were beyond her
ability to meet; as an elementary school principal she pledged to make a
difference and had some power to try to help them more; and as an
assistant superintendent of a school corporation she has taken that to a
whole new level in a collaborative way that is benefiting many in our
community. Dr. Ira
Neal - Since Dr Ira Neal's first professional position as a remedial
reading teacher for EVSC from 1960-1965, he has held numerous community
related positions that have earned him a reputation as an expert in his
field. He stresses the importance of preventing minority group
isolation and aids school children in overcoming educational
disadvantages. Rance
Ossenberg - Mr. Rance Ossenberg is one of Evansville's most
outstanding, yet humble leaders. Mr. Ossenberg has been a vital
educational community leader for decades and richly deserves recognition
for his leadership. Talitha
Washington - Dr.
Talitha Washington has been regarded as the 'light of hope worth
emulating.' She grew up in Evansville, went away to pursue
higher education and has now returned to her hometown making a difference
in the lives of many through the Stepping Up Youth College Preparatory
Weekend. Dennis
John Bailey & Diane Douglas - Dennis
Jon Bailey (DJB) and Diane Douglas, co-hosts of The Morning Show on WIKY
for their work with nonprofits all across the Evansville area in promoting
our special events and the good works we all are doing. They are
role models as an example of collaboration and servant leadership in our
community for individuals! Brian
Ball - Brian
is a committed community servant, spreading the word about the compassion
and care of the Shriners. Andy
Goebel - Andy Goebel defines
what it means to be a community trustee.
Andy has impacted all areas of the community. He has created a
legacy for the future and an example for others to follow. From his volunteer
service to his professional decisions, Andy is willing to do whatever it
takes to make Evansville better place to live and work. Michele
Howell - Michele
Howell brings passion and a "can do" attitude to work each day
as Manager of the Indiana Business Diversity Council. Her commitment
to diversity in Southern Indiana is unwavering and should be nurtured as
she continues to make a difference in our community. Donna
Leader - Donna
is the most involved woman I know. Any time she finds a person or an
organization being underserved in whatever capacity, she has something
worthwhile to contribute or suggest. Randy
Lewis - Randy
Lewis has worked to serve our community by educating Evansville about HIV
issues as a person Living with HIV, by being an advocate for those Living
with HIV, and has worked to provide assistance to those Mark
Miller - Mark
is a committed servant leader with a common vision and he practices a
collaborative leadership style that embraces diversity. He is the catalyst
in providing volunteer opportunities that accumulated over 16,000 man
hours Mildred
Motley - Mildred
Motley is an energetic, forward thinking business professional. In a
leadership capacity at the Evansville Housing Authority, she is determined
and able to make sound decisions without consideration of popularity or
social acceptance to provide residents with decent, safe and affordable
housing. Darrell
Ragland - In
2002, Darrell was diagnosised with pancreatic cancer. Because of
health issues, he retired in 2005 from Alcoa after 28 years of employment.
At that time, he was introduced to community and became a
servant leader, while battling cancer, Darrell exhibits his pleasant
demeanor, kind and caring spirit in all he does for the community and the
people he meets. Eric
Williams - Eric
Williams has been involved in various community endeavors and has
encouraged members of the Sheriff's Office to volunteer their time and
services as well. He works well with various stakeholders to ensure
that Vanderburgh County is a "cut above" and constantly studies
ways to improve the quality of life for the citizens that he serves.
Division: Individual Betty
Charlier - Found
in memory of John Charlier, Charlier Hospice Center is unique of any
hospice center in the United States. What makes this hospice center
unique is that anyone of any socio-economic standing is welcome. Gerald
Evans - Southwestern
Indiana Mental Health Center, Inc. is proud to nominate Gerald H. Evans,
our organization's longest serving board member, for the individual in
health and social services award category. For over 36 years, Gerald
has spent countless hours working with the Center to advance mental health
care in this community. Dr.
Edward Fritz - Dr.
Edward Fritz has worked tirelessly to promote the importance and necessity
of oral health in out community through teaching and Health Resources
Incorporated. Luzada
Hayes - Luzada
Hayes is a true community servant. Her passion and expertise have led our
community in creating and executing our plan to end homelessness - and,
thanks to her leadership, it is working. Aline
St. Hillier - Aline
is an outstanding volunteer who practices great leadership. Lynn
Kyle - Lynn
Kyle, Executive Director of Lampion Center, is the most selfless person I
know. While serious about Rev.
Steve Lintzenich - Father
Steve has been a tireless servant leader in our community for years, and
his compassion and kindness has touched thousands of lives. Through the
years, Fr. Steve has gone far beyond the normal call of duty in the name
of justice, compassion and love. Sr. Jane
Nesmith - Neighborhood Educational Enrichment Development Site
(N.E.E.D.S.). N.E.E.D.S. provides outreach services to over 900
individuals monthly by fulfilling its mission "to provide a
culturally diverse environment that supports the development of
organizations and programs that enhance the quality of life for
economically-challenged people within our community." Patrick
& Lisa Phernetton - Pat and Lisa Phernetton have an eleven year
old daughter, Mickey, who suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome. They have
organized four charity concerts, called Music for Mickey, over the past
four years to raise money for the charity they founded to help with
Prader-Willi research. This loving couple is presently focusing
their efforts on establishing a group home for citizens living with
Prader-Willi Syndrome. Sister
Victoria Pohl
- Sister
Victoria Pohl (Dr. Pohl when a professor at USI) has managed both St.
Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul Office for Emergency
assistance for twelve and a half years. She has served and improved
Evansville's communities of the poor in many ways. Janet
Raisor - Thanks
to Janet's commitment to rehabilitation healthcare, adult and pediatric
patients have an improved quality of life, which positively transcends all
social and economic barriers. Janet Raisor is a true leader in
rehabilitative healthcare and community service, and deserves to be
recognized by her peers and the community-at-large for the legacy she is
continuing to leave here in the Tri-State. Janet
Rennels, Jackie Richards, Denise Allen - Looking
at community health indicators, three St. Mary's outreach healthcare
professionals developed strategies that positively affect prevention of
multiple chronic health problems by providing free health education
programs and health related trainings. They are addressing the health
issues of asthma, obesity, and oral health through a coordinated school
health approach. Dale
Sights - Dale
Sights has a very impressive resume' in public service and in business,
but it pales in comparison to his work in behalf of his fellow man and is
passionately committed to helping others ensnared by addiction.
Division: Individual Sydney Banks - Twelve
year old, Sydney Banks, vice President of the YMCA's Diamond's program, is
a very responsible, caring, motivated young lady. Her volunteer efforts
for the Humane Society and her church as well as her active participation
in school exemplify her willingness to share and care for others. Michael Blake - Mike
Blake, "Midday with Mike" Host, and Sports Director for WFIE TV,
is a spiritual, family oriented, local celebrity who unselfishly gifts his
community with his talents. He is a community volunteer extraordinaire. Terrance Coomer - Terrance
Coomer is a true servant leader. As one of the leaders of the Swoosh
Club, a leadership program at the Boys & Girls Club, Terrance serves
as a role model for the 1,400+ Boys & Girls Club Ashley Elpers - Ashley
Elpers is the current historian for the 2007-2008 Youth Resources Teen
Advisory Council and a youth staff leader for Youth Resources TEENPOWER.
As a dedicated member and Senior at Castle high school, Ashley is a strong
leader who is efficient and not afraid to speak her mind regarding
important issues in our community. Bishop Gary Frazier
- Bishop Frazier is a light in this community. He can be boldly
defined as a great community leader. Sally Gries
- Sally is a
four-year veteran of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville whose role is
mistakenly simplified and labeled as Community Relations Director. Sally
continuously and tirelessly works with volunteers, communicates with news
media, and educates Habitat Partner Families to fulfill the mission
statement of this great Evansville organizations Kathy Hedge
- Kathy Hedge
is a most valued worker and director of the Newburgh Area Food Pantry. She
pitches in and takes the heaviest load of responsibility while guiding the
crew of workers without turmoil or friction. Robert Kerney
- Rob Kerney
is an instructor of political science at Ivy Tech State College. He has
been blind since 1991, and has recently created Blind Faith Ministries to
help people with disabilities. Jeffery Korb - Jeffrey
G. Korb has dedicated his services to help motivate young high school
students throughout the tri-state as well as providing a voice for his
community while serving as a county commissioner in Evansville. Janay Ladson
- Janay
Ladson is a senior at Reitz High School who has been actively
involved in the
Youth Resources Vanderburgh County Teen Court program since March 2007.
She is a strong leader who is passionate about helping others through the
restorative justice process of Teen Court making a positive difference in
the lives of delinquent youth. Michael Martin - Over
the past ten years plus Mike Martin has taken on the task of renovating
buildings downtown into beautiful additions to the downtown area, creating
living spaces and retail spaces. He strives to keep the character of
each building he renovates. He sees diamonds in the rough where others see
disasters. David Nicholson - Since
the inception of the Veterans' Invitational, the Evansville Convention
& Visitors Bureau has been privileged to work with David Nicholson and
his dedicated volunteers. As president of Evansville Elite Soccer Club for
the past 13 years, David has been the driving force behind the
success of this tournament which has become the largest annual sporting
tournament in Evansville. Alfonso Vidal - Alfonso
Vidal is an individual who is making a difference by co-founding an
outreach organization to integrate Latinos into one community in
Evansville. Alan Winslow - Alan
Winslow has been a huge influence on myself and others with his totally
committed servant leadership attitude. He gives so freely of his time and
gifts, and makes an impact on everyone he meets through his
tireless involvement in Patchwork Central. Deaconess Gateway
Hospital Local Arts Campaign - Deaconess
Gateway Hospital used local artists to enhance the main visitor area of
the hospital. The artwork brought a museum-quality atmosphere to the
"Main Street" area and gave a peaceful, warming place for
families and patients to enjoy during their stay.
Division: Business/ Organizations Evansville
Education Roundtable
- This
nomination is for the Evansville Education Roundtable to reward it for the
innovative and far-reaching work it is doing in the field of education for
all of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. It is the EVSC Board of
School Trustees Superintendent Search - The
EVSC Board of School Trustees, under the leadership of then board
president Dana Willett, conducted a search process -- transparent in
nature and that involved public input -- which ultimately resulted in the
selection of Dr. Vincent Bertram as the superintendent of schools. Youth Resources
Vanderburgh County Teen Court - Youth
Resources' Vanderburgh County teen court is an early
intervention/diversion program in the Vanderburgh Co. Juvenile Justice
System offering first time offenders an opportunity to "turn over a
new leaf". Southwestern
Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross - The
Southwestern Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross provides 24-hour
disaster response, preparedness training, Health & Safety
Services, Military Services, and Blood Services for Vanderburgh,
Spencer, Perry and Dubois counties in Indiana and Wabash, Edwards and Southwestern
Indiana Master Gardeners Association
- Southwestern
Indiana Master Gardeners Association is a public service organization of
highly trained volunteers who donate thousands of hours yearly to not only
educate the public through training programs but also through gardening
examples in more than 20 gardens and projects throughout the region. The
volunteers raise more than $50,000 in an annual plant sale that provides
many locally grown specialty plants to local gardeners. Boys & Girls
Club Service League - For
45 years, the Service League has provided thousands of volunteer hours as
well as thousands of dollars in support of the kids at the Boys &
Girls Club of Evansville. Through this organization's Camp
Nota-Gonna-Wheeze - The
EVSC School-Community Council's (a collaboration of over 70 community
agencies/organizations) Asthma Team worked to promote, develop, and
provide annually a week long day-camp called "Camp
Nota-Gonna-Wheeze" during spring break for children diagnosed with
asthma, the most prevalent chronic disease in the district. Deaconess
Medication Assistance Program - Deaconess
Medication Assistance Program (MAP) helps patients acquire medications at
no cost when they cannot afford them. The MAP staff have assisted
nearly 600 patients and more than $1 million in prescriptions have been
distributed. Matthew 25 AIDS
Services, Inc. - Matthew
25 AIDS Services, Inc. supports, educates, and treats those infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS. Providing services throughout the Tri-State, Matthew
25 treats the whole individual, not just the disease. Chamber of Commerce
of Southwestern Indiana - The
Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana serves its members and leads our
region by fostering an innovative business, educational, cultural and
governmental environment that excels in a global marketplace. Throughout
its diverse programs and services, the Chamber is proud to be involved in
almost every aspect of the community and region. It is our goal to
serve our members by fostering a pro- business environment that in turn,
benefits all citizens of southwest Indiana. Community Marriage
Builders - Community
Marriage Builders is dedicated to educating and equipping the community
for lifetime marriages. Congregations
Acting for Justice & Empowerment - Congregations
Acting for Justice and Empowerment Give Back
Tri-State - Give
Back Tri-state is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing
communities in Southwest Indiana, Southeast Illinois, and Northwest
Kentucky through activities of volunteerism, while fostering the
development of young leadership through participation. Each year Give Back
Tri-state organizes monthly large-scale one day volunteer and civic
engagement activities, and several social events. Juan Diego Latino
Center - The
Juan Diego Latino Center aids on the integration of the Latino and
immigrant community in Evansville to the city's mainstream society. It is
a clearing house of services and provider of services to anyone in need,
especially the Latino Immigrant population. Sisters with a
Purpose - Sisters
with a Purposes' mission is to develop and strengthen the sisterhood
relationship bonds that promote friendship, encouragement, honesty and
enjoyment while making a difference in our community. Southwestern
Building Trades Council
- The
Southwestern Building Trades Council (SWBTC) oversees all the Labor Vanderburgh
Humane Society, Inc.
- Since 1957, the Vanderburgh Humane Society, Inc. (VHS) has been
instrumental in raising the standards for the animals in this community
through our programs and by example. We are proud that during
the 50th Anniversary of this organization, we have opened the Vanderburgh
Humane Society Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic, our most important
program to date.
Division: Projects Stage Left
Theater Troupe - Identical
Twins Christopher and Justin Swader have independently written, produced,
directed, created sets, and performed in their own theatre productions.
The performances are free to the public. A free will offering is taken and
then given as charity to a worthy cause. Vectren
Corporate Art Display - Vectren
is very supportive of the arts in general. In finalizing the headquarter
building design, we knew a corporate art collection would be an important
element. The Weakend
Players - The
Weakend Players are a group of arts advocates who raise money for
not-for-profit arts organizations. Evansville's
Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series - The
Celebration of Diversity Lecture Series is a collaborative effort among
the City of Evansville, Ivy Tech Community College, University of
Evansville, University of Southern Indiana and businesses committed to the
support of diversity within the Evansville community and surrounding
areas. Evansville
Philharmonic Youth Concerts - The
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's Youth Concerts are educational
performances presented annually to tri-state students in grades 3 - 5. The
orchestra presents six performances each year enriching the culture of our
community. Dragons on the
Ohio - Dragons
on the Ohio is a very innovative and unique cultural experience for our
community that incorporates both an exciting team competition in racing
the Dragon Boats on the Ohio River as well as incorporating a cultural
emphasis to the weekend celebration. Women's Fund of
Vanderburgh County - The
Women's Fund of Vanderburgh County is an initiative begun in late 2006 by
a core group of women in the Evansville area to bring women together to
improve the quality of life for women and children in Vanderburgh County
by collectively funding significant grants to charitable initiatives with
the same purpose. The Women's Fund is a field of interest fund of the
Vanderburgh Community Foundation.
Division: Projects Child Passenger
Protection Program
- St. Mary's
Child Passenger Protection Program is a pioneering program that ensures
children and their families have the tools and the knowledge to travel
safely. The purpose of this program is to reduce the death or injury to
children attributed to traffic crashes in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Posey
Counties via education to the public concerning the need for seat belts
and child safety seats, as well as their proper installation. FLU - X 2007 - FLU
- X 2007, an initiative of the Warrick County Health Department, was a
full scale mass immunization exercise which provided drive-thru flu shots
to over 1200 individuals, to provide protection against influenza. Special Kids Day - Special
Kids Day is a project of the West Side Nut Club at the Fall Festival.
Each year, a morning is set aside for special needs children in the
EVSC. Members of the Nut Club escort the students in the park
and on the rides, making them feel truly special! Keep Evansville
Beautiful - The
new anti-litter program, EVIE, developed by long time Keep Evansville
Beautiful supporter, Susan Harp, is changing behaviors toward a cleaner
community in our schools. Wallis Christmas
Foundation/Shop With a Cop
- Major Tom
Wallis established the annual Shop With The Cop Event to introduce and
foster a sharing, nurturing and positive experience between law
enforcement professionals and young children. After Major Wallis died in a
fatal motorcycle accident, the Sheriff's Department continued his legacy
with volunteers from the department. Sgt. Jim Martin has been the leader
for this project the last several years. Young Readers
Services - Young
Readers Services is a local project that comes to the aid of hundreds!
They don't seem to recognize their significant level of
contribution! They seek not glory for their work, rather, only seek to
provide for the youth in the community!
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The 13th Annual 