Five individuals and one civic organization were announced as the Spirit of Port Huron Award Winners for 2020. There was no official ceremony this year, but the winners were announced at the September 28th meeting of the Port Huron City Council.
The Brotherhood Award went to Pastor Kimberly Brown, a minister at Zion Cathedral of Praise, the founder of St. Clair Organizing for Regional Equity (SCORE), and a contributing member of the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County. She also has over 20 years of experience as a clinical therapist and is a partner in the newly established Zoe Counseling & Consulting, PLLC.
The Rotary Club of Port Huron won the Civic Award this year for their significant contribution to making the city a better place to live, work, and play. The Rotary Club supports many nonprofits through grant-funding and is instrumental in providing a platform for local civic leaders and groups to share information about positive things happening throughout the city. They also provide volunteers for many area events and are the fundraiser, organizer, and host of the International Rotary Parade.
Luke Marion, owner of MI Gardener and Bella Bolla Pizza, received the Economic Progress Award. Luke started his entrepreneurial journey in high school and his family has now opened three successful businesses in Downtown Port Huron. His energy and vision for creating community are evident on his YouTube channel, where he educates and empowers people to become successful gardeners, and in the brick-and-mortar locations he has established in the Downtown Area.
The Good Neighbor Award recipient is Lisa Sheline. Lisa was nominated for her thoughtfulness and compassion which she demonstrates in her role as coordinator of the Faith Lutheran Church food pantry. When the Coronavirus Pandemic hit, Lisa responded to the increased needs in the community by organizing pop-up food distributions that have served over 1,000 individuals.
Gabrielle Hayes was nominated by Port Huron Fire Department Lieutenant Kevin Robinson for her courage and quick response to her father’s health emergency. Gabrielle called 911, gave firefighters valuable information at the scene, and bravely took care of her younger siblings while rescue workers assisted her father. Her actions resulted in a better outcome for her father and she was a great role model for everyone involved.
The Youth Service Award went to Candalaria Tibble who has displayed outstanding citizenship through multiple community service activities. As an active member of the Civil Air Patrol Auxillary, she has participated in Wreaths Across American, provided passenger security at the Goodells 4-H fair, and supported such organizations at the St. Clair County Child Abuse & Neglect Council and the Salvation Army. She has also been a part of Special Olympics for over seven years, and her passion to give back to her community is an inspiration.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
