The 2010 Jefferson Awards for Public Service
The Jefferson Awards for Public Service are given annually as a way to recognize individuals for their community and public service efforts ... individuals who have made Wyoming, and the world, a better place. The awards were sponsored statewide this year by KCWY News 13, Hilltop National Bank, and Serve Wyoming. A panel of statewide judges selected the four Wyoming State Winners. Each was presented an Award of Excellence and a Jefferson Award Medallion by Representative Cynthia Lummis during the private luncheon that was held in Casper on April 12th, 2010.
One of the four Wyoming Jefferson Award winners was chosen by a panel of judges at the headquarters of the Jefferson Awards in Delaware to represent the people of Wyoming at the national awards ceremony. That winner is Alta June Pool of Sheridan who receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. The black-tie Gala Dinner and National Ceremony will take place on June 22, 2010.
Russel Hicks
Russel Hicks is nominated because he has turned the sorrow of losing a son in Iraq into joy by helping others.
The Marine Corps League asked the Hicks family for permission to add their son's name to the Memorial Scholarship for Wyoming men killed in the Mid-East. This program established scholarships for all nine Wyoming colleges in memory of the 23 Wyoming servicemen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hicks volunteered to raise money for his son's scholarship fund at Casper College, and by the time he was finished, Russel had completed the Corey Hicks Memorial Scholarship to a level of $10,000.00.
Russel has spent the last two years participating in the Memorial Scholarship program, taking it upon himself to be responsible for funds being raised and given to all nine Wyoming colleges in honor of 23 Wyoming fallen heroes.
Russel also lobbied the Governor of Wyoming and members of the State Legislature to create the Gold Star license plate, honoring families for their sacrifice.
Alta June Pool
Alta June Pool is nominated because she has been a Sheridan Senior Center volunteer for 24 years. She currently serves as a greeter for the annual flu shot registration clinic and is a Tel-a-Friend volunteer visiting with homebound clients on the phone.
She was a Home Delivered Meals Driver, Ambassador, and driver for individuals. She served as local president of AARP's Chapter 676, from 1986 to 2009. She was the Chairman of the Sheridan County Hospital Blood Draw and Health Fair for 18 years.
Alta June has been very involved with First Congregational Church for 66 years. She was a 15 year president of both the "Cheeri Chix" Homemakers, and Mayflower Circle of the Congregational Church, past president for the Sheridan County Homemakers and a Job's Daughter guardian.
Mary Margaret Stockton
Mary Margaret Stockton is nominated because she has dedicated countless hours to public service over the last 30 years.
In 1995, Mary Margaret and a group of like-minded individuals joined together to help people with expenses that weren't covered by insurance and two of this NPO group's greatest achievements are thriving today.
The Hospice Home was a project that was badly needed in Riverton. Mary Margaret began a campaign of public awareness to lobby for a tax to pay for the building and the home was built under her supervision. She also put together an administration and is instrumental in its management to this day.
The Health Van bus was started 1997. It drives patients from all around Wyoming to Casper for treatment. After riding the bus for her own treatments in 2007, she was able to fine-tune it for maximal comfort for everyone to ride it hence.
Linda Vallejo
Linda Vallejo is nominated because she is determined to be a blessing to others.
Her career and volunteer choices have always centered on care-giving. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 17 years at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, at local nursing homes, and for the past 6 years, at the Sheridan Senior Center.
As a stage three colon cancer survivor, a natural volunteer choice for Linda was the American Cancer Resource Center, where she has been a volunteer at the Welch Cancer office since they opened over three years ago. She has volunteered with Relay for Life in the survivor's tent and has participated in the walks for 17 years.
She volunteers at the Free Clinic on a monthly basis and donates items to the homeless shelter and animal shelter several times a year. What spare time Linda has, she assists the elderly and disabled with personal care.
Congratulations to all of the 2010 Jefferson Awards Nominees and Winners!
Watch for the 2011 Jefferson Awards Call for Nominations
beginning in November 2010 and nominate someone you know
who deserves recognition for their volunteerism in your Wyoming community.
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