The cities of Elma and Montesano have both recently recognized citizens of their respective communities for outstanding community service and involvement by dubbing them citizens of the year.
Luke and Dodie Brogan
The Citizen of the Year Award for Elma went to a duo — Luke and Dodie Brogan.
The Brogans are heavily involved with numerous community-support efforts. Grays Harbor Teen Homeless Backpack, a nonprofit effort that works to supply area children with backpacks and is currently dispersing 110 bags throughout Grays Harbor schools, is one of the programs they are most involved with, Luke and Dodie said in an email.
“We live, work and do business in Grays Harbor,” the Brogans wrote in the email. “We want to do our part to make it be a nice place to do those things.”
The Brogans also volunteer their time with food donations and organize a yearly concert with the band Humptulips. They also volunteer at Elma Chamber of Commerce Winter Wine Festival, and Dodie is involved in Young Life.
“Their continued support of the homeless with Grays Harbor Teen Homeless Backpack is just an amazing project, as well as all the other things they do for the community,” Elma Mayor Jim Sorensen said.
The Brogans say it is up to community members to find something they’re passionate about and do their part to, “strengthen and improve that area of this place we call home.”
“It feels great to be recognized for doing things that we feel are important to our community,” the Brogans said, “and we hope that this recognition and sharing our story will bring attention to the needs of the community and inspire others to help out as well.”
The Brogans also encouraged community members to lend a hand throughout the Harbor. They said there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the area in volunteering with programs and institutions like area pet shelters, the Children’s Advocacy Center, homeless shelters, elderly programs, schools and veteran programs.
Moraya Wilson
The Citizen of the Year Award recipient for Montesano was Moraya Wilson.
According to the Montesano Chamber of Commerce website, Wilson is involved in multiple programs and organizations throughout Grays Harbor and Montesano. She is on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Montesano School Board. She has volunteered and chaired the Festival of Lights for seven years, in addition to volunteering with PTO, Football Boosters and serving on the Grays Harbor Tourism Board.
“I’ve known Moraya almost the entire time I’ve lived in Montesano and she’s the epitome of what the Citizen of the Year award is about,” Montesano Mayor Vini Samuel said, “she’s always willing to help out and is generous with her time and resources as well as is very focused on making Montesano better.”
More awards
Both cities handed out additional awards to citizens and groups playing active roles in their communities.
Additional award winners for Montesano are:
• Volunteer Group of the Year — Montesano Girl Scout Troup 41645
• Business of the Year — Monte Fitness Center
“These are great people, organizations and business that do wonderful things for our community,” Samuel said.
Award winners for Elma are:
• Long Term Distinguished Citizen — Bob and Karen Beerbower
* Teacher of the Year (elementary) — Carrie Vessey
• Teacher of the Year (middle school) — Kimberly Hinderlie
• Teacher of the Year (high school) — Chris Aiken
• Young Citizen of the Year — Jarred Figlar-Barnes
• Long-Term Business Achievement Award — Bayview Building Materials
• Above and Beyond Award — Summit Pacific Medical Center
“They’re all well-deserving,”Sorensen said. “They’re not just citizens of this year, they’ve all had a long history of service.”
