Mayor’s Award
Established in 1983, the Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Service honors outstanding volunteers who are making valuable contributions to the community through volunteer service in a wide variety of categories such as health, recreation, arts, environment, education, public safety, civic service, or human service. Recipients of this award must either be a resident of Kettering, or the volunteer service must be performed in Kettering. The volunteer activity can be in a structured setting or on an informal basis. Groups are also eligible to apply. Awards are presented by our mayor at a city council meeting in April during National Volunteer Week. One adult and one youth are honored with an award.
Adult and youth Mayor’s Award nominations are accepted all year. Awards are presented during National Volunteer Week.
Nominate someone by using the forms below.
Mayor’s Award: Youth Nomination Form
Mayor’s Award: Adult Nomination Form
Meet our 2019 Mayor’s Award Winners
Mayor’s Award for Youth Volunteer Service –
Sasha Whitaker
Sasha Whitaker is a senior at Fairmont High School. Her family includes her mother, Andrea Kannedy; father, James Whitaker; step-mother, Kelly Whitaker; and half-sister, Jessa Whitaker. Her current volunteer efforts include:
Dayton Honor Flight where she reports to the airport at 2 a.m. on flight days to greet veterans and provide assistance for the trip. She also returns in the evening to welcome them home. At the age of 16, Sasha served as a flight guardian for two veterans, one of which was wheelchair bound.
She is also an active SISCA foster. She responds to requests to pick up animals and the supplies to care for them, on a moment’s notice. Without her help, these animals might never have the chance for adoption.
Sasha lost her grandmother to ALS. Since 2005 she’s participated in Dayton Walk to Defeat ALS. For the past several years, she’s been a member of the planning committee. She has many responsibilities including helping with event set-up and securing donations.
She has also been a student council member in both middle school and high school. She is a member of National Honor Society, a peer tutor, and she’s volunteered at the Kettering Early Childhood Education Center.
Sasha plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.
CONGRATULATIONS, SASHA!
Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Service (Adult) –
Rick Moreton
Volunteer Rick Moreton, is married to Stephanie and they reside in Sabina which is a 53 mile commute one way to the City of Kettering. They have one son, Austin. He works part-time at a Nike store near his home. He began volunteering for Kettering in 2013. To date, he has donated over 1350 hours of service. His volunteer work includes helping with the city’s Christmas Day Open House at Polen Farm, greeting guests at Fraze Pavilion, and assisting visitors at the Kettering Connection. Rick also generously provides guidance to city staff on matters of adaptability and inclusion.
One of Rick’s nominators had this to say about his work at Kettering Connection, “Many of the people visiting Kettering Connection are desperate for help with very difficult situations. Several have lost spouses, friends and even children. Rick is comfortable enough to discuss the sad times as well as celebrate the good times. He creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere.”
When Rick was asked why he drives so far to volunteer with the City of Kettering he stated, “There is no better place to serve.” Rick always makes an effort to promote activities and events sponsored by the City.
Another nominator stated, “Rick is a very caring individual. He has a great sense of humor and a strong desire to help others. Rick is an inspiration. He overcomes obstacles, and chooses to live his life fully. I am so grateful to have shared the past six years with this gentleman and watched how, in spite of his challenges, he uses his gifts to be of service to others and ensure that each person he comes in contact with feels valued.”
CONGRATULATIONS, RICK!
MAYOR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS
2019
Sasha Whitaker Fairmont High School, Dayton Honor Flight, SISCA foster, planning committee in Dayton Walk to Defeat ALS, student council member, volunteered at the Kettering Early Childhood Education Center
Rick Moreton Helping with the city’s Christmas Day Open House at Polen Farm, greeting guests at Fraze Pavilion, and assisting visitors at the Kettering Connection
2018
Lauren Dalton Dayton Regional STEM School, Girl Scouts, Preschool camp at Boonshoft Museum and instructs gymnastics for young children at South YMCA
Sue Ellen Boesch Kettering Arts Council, PRCA Advisory Committee, Art on the Commons, UD Libraries Advisory Committee
2017
Theodore Hale Fairmont High School, assists Main and Central Unit offices at school, Fairmont Unity Garden, helps with Holiday at Home float, assists an older gentleman recovering from cancer regain strength
Damian Foster Sinclair Community College/Fairmont High School, office assistant, assists a Fairmont Industries student through the Buddy System
2016
Andrew Waker Alter High School, Key Club, assists with various activities with Dor-Wood Optimist Club, helps with Down’s syndrome children and adults, numerous fundraisers for St. Vincent De Paul and March of Dimes
Bill & Marynel Bradley Christmas Day at Polen Farm, Speed Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Compost Cops, Holiday at Home, Kettering Noon Optimist Club
2015
Elizabeth Janess Alter High School, Key Club, Kettering and Dayton Children’s Hospital, Mission trips to Guatemala, Summer Bible Camps, Peer Minister
Zach Lawhorn Kettering Middle School, Art Club Buddies
2014
Kalliope Bessler KMS, Hannah’s Treasure Chest, serving food at St. Vincent’s Soup Kitchen Greek Festival and the Oktoberfest, teaching children weekly at church
Courtney Hemmelgarn Fairmont High School, Peer Mediator, Tutor at Indian Riffle, The House of Bread, Clothes that Work, assists elderly neighbors with yard work at Central Presbyterian Church – youth group leader, sings in the choir, helps in the nursery and assists with Vacation Bible School
2013
Emily Herting Fairmont High School
Allie Smith Alter High School
2012
Rachel Ramey Oakwood High School – Christ United Methodist Church
Meagan Burian Alter High School
2011
Jessica Wuensch Fairmont High School, MLK & Kettering Youth Council
Jordan Hibner Alter High School Key Club, We Care Arts 7 Juvenile Diabetes
Chuck & Carol Dickerson Neighborhood Pride
2010
Alic Brock Fairmont High School, Dayton Street Ministry
2009
Emily Fleitz MLK Breakfast & Fairmont United Student Body
Lauren Ignozzi Senior/Senior Prom, Alter Key Club
2008
Caroline Smith Fairmont High School Student Council, Greenmont Oak-Park Food Pantry
2007
Catie Gmeiner Alter Key Club & SADD
Kyla Morgan Young Fairmont High School, Radio Director WKET
Alan and Mary Kay Feller Christ United Methodist After School Program
2006
Opal Leo CIL, City of Kettering
Ralph Andrews City of Kettering, Disabled Swimming Program
Alter Key Club 60 Non-Profit Organizations
Amber Mitchell Fairmont High School, Junior Optimist
2005
Ashley Timmons Fairmont High School, DECA, National Honor Society
Dr. Goodwin Boy Scout Troop 236
2004
Larry Schlea City of Kettering Volunteer Program
Tyler Back Fairmont High School, WKET-FM
Katie Scocozzo Fairmont High School, National Honor Society
Erin Vannatta Alter High School peer Ministry
Zac Sideras Fairmont High School, Kettering Youth Council
2003
Fairmont Industries Plant Flowers, One Lincoln Park
2002
Jean Collins CIL Nutrition Program, City of Kettering
Nicole Van Scyoc KMS, Safety Village
2001
Frances Rasnake Kettering Medical Center
STAND Students Taking a new direction
2000
Robert Spaulding Initiated and manages volunteers who restore artifacts at the U.S. Air Force Museum at WPAFB
John McClelland City of Kettering, Vehicle Maintenance Center
Ron Wilson City of Kettering P&D, Fraze, Scrapbook
Katybeth Mannix Van Buren Middle School, Power of the Pen & City of Kettering
1999
Bob Barr(posthumously) Community activities far too numerous to mention
Alter High School Key Club A variety of activities in the community including help with cleaning up parks, collecting food for the needy, working with youths, helping with seniors and raising money for various charities.
Matt Deppen Donated extensive services for the construction of the State Farm Park concession stand as well as volunteered for EKRC and Holiday at Home
Anita Rankin Extensive volunteer service with the American Red Cross for more than 25 years, specially excellent work with the International Relief and Development Program.
1998
Fairmont High School 67 seniors donate hundreds of hours in a variety of ways,
National Honor Society including tutoring students.
Bill Greger Extensive volunteer work with KPD and Con 21 rescue. As well as televising City Council meetings and a variety of activities for The Maria Joseph Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Bill Spencer Many activities including work at the DePaul Center, St. Vincent Hotel, Franciscan Medical Center, K of C and Sister City.
1997
Dottie Cromer Extensive volunteer service for the South Community YMCA, including administrative work, organizing events and helping with The Indian guide/princess program
Sarah Hoskinson Many activities at Van Buren Middle School, including student Council president, junior optimist co-president, peer tutoring, fund raising and activities at Far Hills Baptist Church youth group
Edmund Trissell Donated countless hours photographing all major events of the Kettering-Moraine Historical Museum and provided all materials for their photographic library free of charge.
Lucille Graham A variety of volunteer activities through Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and in the community
1996
Kettering Council of PTA s Establishing and maintaining the Kettering Clothing Room
Vipul and Disha Patel Outstanding students involved in many leadership and extra-curricular activities at Fairmont High School and active in community organizations
Citizen Police
Academy Alumni Organization a volunteering group to assist the Kettering Police Department in a multitude of ways.
1995
Dor-Wood Optimist Club Extensive volunteer activities with area youth
Carey Roth Many activities at Fairmont High School and in the community including SADD
Genny Cook Extensive service as an City of Kettering volunteer and at Christ United Methodist Church
Youth Sports Organizations
- East Kettering Recreation Club
- Kettering Amateur Baseball Commission
- First Kettering Athletic League – Baseball
- Fairmont Wee Firebirds
- First Kettering Athletic League – Football
- Kettering Soccer Club
- South Dayton Figure Skating Club
- Dayton Bombers Youth Hockey League
- Fairmont Hockey Club
- Firebird Futures
- Kettering City Swim Team
- Kettering Delco BMX Association
1994
Noreen Long Kettering Jaycee activities and Holiday at Home concessions
Nikki Van Nest Many activities at Fairmont High School and related Projects
Janet Bolton Sister City activities
Jean and Paul Shank Coordinate Fraze volunteer ushers and work with Neighborhood Pride Awards Committee
1993
J. Richard Lawwill Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Parks Foundation
Jon Moodie Youth Service Award, Eagle Scout Projects
Bonnie and Ed Anderson English as Second Language Program in Kettering Adult School
Kettering Fairmont Providing a safe activity for youth after the prom
AfterProm Committee
Nat Goff Heartland of Kettering Nursing Home
Ruth and Lloyd Grodrian Kettering-Moraine Museum and Historical Society
1992
Barbara Clark Kettering Morning Glories Adult Skating Team
Dale Neibert Boy Scouts, Kettering YMCA, education
Melinda Brewer Youth Service Award, tutors handicapped students
Walter Pettit Sister City, Kettering-Oakwood Exchange club tutors
Kettering and Suburban Provide one day of recreation to 1,000 seniors per month plus other activities
Senior Citizens
1991
Bill Albery Volunteer firefighter, Youth Baseball
Dan DeBrosse Youth Volunteer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Lucille Bollinger C,I.L., Nutrition, Bingo
Richard Crandall Miami Valley Boy Scouts Council, Habitat for Humanity
1990
Linda George Neighborhood Pride
Harold Trigg Kettering Amateur Baseball Commission
Katherine Quinlan Developmental Center for Handicapped
Pat Mastbaum Holiday at Home, many City committees
1989
Adopt-a-Family Program DESC employees
Dale Kress Christmas Day, many City committees
John Wurst Technology Assistance Panel, delegate to RTA
Paul Doty Kettering Sister City, Kiwanis Club
Jean Armstrong Kettering – Moraine Museum, many City committees
Betty Huden City Volunteer in Planning and Police Department
1988
Miriam Leonard FISH – Education – Hunger
Jerry Barnett Education, Dorwood Optimist, many City committees
Glenn Compton Uncle Sam, many City committees
Michael Schumacher Volunteer firefighter – trains recruits
Donald Hibbs Kettering Sister City, Rotary Club – Kettering/Moraine Museum
1987
Joe McCloud Dorwood Optimist, Kettering YMCA, Oak Creek Church
Chester Roush School Board/many City committees
Walter Hush Volunteer firefighter paramedic education
Eleanor Fariello Holiday at Home, Kettering Parks Foundation
1986
Tom Spettel Boy Scout Leader/Trainer (National)
Earle Bates City of Kettering volunteer for Police Department
George Lehman Involved in many community activities
Arlone Campigotto Volunteer tutor in Public Schools
Robert Rohr Volunteer firefighter
Paul Hendrickson Beautification Committee
1985
Virginia Kress Beautification, Volunteer committees, Christmas Day
Danny Combs Volunteer firefighter/coach and bus
James Earl Jones Cable TV
D.P&L. Lighting in Parks by Volunteers
William Webb Kettering YMCA – soccer in junior high
Jane Shimmin Girl Scout Leader at group home
Roger Kemp Youth Sports, Pee Wee Football Coach
1984
Oleta Vorhis Provides Christmas dinners for Police and Fire
Rita Cookson PTA Council/clothing room
Valerie Andrews Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Tuvell Kettering Moraine Historical Society
Linda Courtney Channel 16/Fund raising
Thomas Farmer Kettering Sertoma, Kidney Foundation
Jane Jancauskus Development Center for Handicapped
Dres Fox/Nancy Allen Big Brothers/Big Sisters
1983
Terry Schalnat Church/Christmas project
Alberta Prather Kettering and Suburban Senior Citizen – Pilot Club
Doris Hinders Development Center for Handicapped
Forest Stewart City of Kettering volunteer and Kettering Hospital
Paul Shartle Civic Band
Bernard Wannemaker Volunteer firefighter
Edward Fowler Youth Sports
Keith Prentice Andrea Bales/Clay Bates, Theatre Under Stars
Osa Reese Church, Senior Citizen, FISH
Janette Thomas Kettering Hospital
Robert Neitman RTA representative