The Pleasant Hill Community Center hosted the 47th Annual Community Awards on March 27, 2018. More than 170 people attended the event which saw sixteen awards given out, ranging from Citizen of the Year to Teen of the Year. Here are the winners of the 2017 Community Awards:
Citizen of the Year - Allen & Sandy Vinson
Allen and Sandy Vinson have lived in Pleasant Hill since 1976, with their three sons. Both have been active in numerous school, sporting and charitable organizations and events for many years. In particular, Allen & Sandy have been key members of the Pleasant Hill Fourth of July Commission for the past 12 years and the Rotary Club for 15 years.
Mayor's Award - Marian Woodard & John Matthesen
Marian Woodard and John Matthesen of Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center received the Mayor's Award. Marian and John started the Urban Farm about six years ago and it has grown into a major teaching center and biodynamic garden, where sustainable living classes are held frequently.
Business of the Year - Zachary's Pizza (Kevin Suto)
Employee owned and operated, Zachary’s not only makes great pizza, they support many local causes and organizations.
Educator of the Year - Laima Haider (College Park High School)
An AP History teacher at College Park, Ms. Haider is known for her dedication and love of teaching. She inspires her students to think critically and learn about issues on a global level. She is the perfect example of a teacher who is changing the world, one student at a time.
Teen of the Year - Ethan Tuey
A 12th grade student at College Park. Ethan serves as the President of the CPHS Interact Club and captain of the College Park Swim Team. He is a 7th year Pleasant Hill Teen Council member, current chair, and has contributed more than 600 hours volunteering for community events and fundraisers.
Green Business Award - Diablo Valley College (Sustainability Committee)
The DVC Sustainability Committee, led by Frank Ichigaya and Sharrie Bettencourt, has expanded recycling and composting programs on campus, and implemented other sustainable practices.
Green Community Award- MDUSD Garden Education Program
The MDUSD (Farm 2 School) Garden Education project continues to expand a district-wide program that supports science and garden education while cultivating environmental stewardship. This collaborative project is currently in two Pleasant Hill elementary schools - Fair Oaks and Sequoia, with successful and replicable education programs in place that teach children about gardening and nutrition, emphasizing Next Generation Science Standards.
Education Supporter of the Year - Jeff Eide
This new award was given to Jeff Eide by the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE). Jeff is a longtime parent volunteer in Pleasant Hill Schools and current president of the College Park Athletic Boosters.
Community Plus Award - Eric Hu (City of Pleasant Hill)
The Community Plus Award, which goes to an employee of either the City or the Rec & Park District, was given to Eric Hu, the City's Senior Civil Engineer. Eric oversees many of the City’s capital improvement projects and has brought in over $30 million in grant funding for these projects over the past 11 years.
Other awards:
- PH Community Foundation Cornerstone Award – David Durant
- PH Rec & Park District Board Appreciation Award – Liberty Dimick & Sara Cuff
- PH Rec & Park District Community Service Award – Pleasant Hill Dog Owners Group (PHDog)
- Pleasant Hill Chamber Board Appreciation Award – Michele Diaz-Ramirez
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Connie Anderson
- Chamber Hall of Fame Award – Wade Cantrell
- Chamber President's Legacy Award - Tom Guarino