By Vicky Rinek
Saturday, July 6, at Mountaineer Days 55th annual event, two awards were presented to deserving citizens of Wrightwood: Honorary Mayor and Wrightwoodians of the Year were named for the 2019/20 year. The honors recognize people for their outstanding volunteerism, and commitment to the community; residents who best represent the qualities each of us admire and respect among our friends, neighbors, and associates.
Both titles are appointed by the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce and are a longstanding tradition. Nominations for Honorary Mayor and Wrightwoodian of the Year were submitted by Chamber members, describing the reasons an individual should be selected and why their nominee deserves the title. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds serving Wrightwood, making their community a better place to live. It’s not given for position, public or private, so much as for “being there” when there is service called for.
This year’s Honorary Mayor title was unanimously awarded to Roy Moore. Roy is best known for his hard work and dedication, serving the community for many years. Roy, currently retired, became a community volunteer because he knows there’s nothing more rewarding. Roy held the position as treasurer, past director for the Chamber, and spends most of his valuable time planning events, working on events and taking down events. Roy is quick to say “Sure – I’ll help – what do we need to do?” and then does it. He has been instrumental in numerous Chamber sponsored events and is the one everybody wants on the Committee when there’s a job to be done. Roy is so appreciative of the opportunity and truly desires to give back.
Wrightwoodian of the Year was awarded to two individuals who have displayed the most dedication to the community.
John Burcher, aka the Music Man, couldn’t have been a more deserving individual for his impact on the community through the years. He did not get this award for outstanding single effort, as much as for long-term, continuing commitment to the community. He is best known for entertaining the community and bringing together musicians, from around the Village and surrounding communities, for free concerts to the various music events. He has been a fixture at nearly every music opportunity over the past 25 or more years. John is dedicated to continue making Wrightwood an even better place to visit and live for all.
In recognition of his service over and beyond his job description John Garner, principal of Wrightwood Elementary School, was awarded the second Wrightwoodian of the Year. John is passionate about his job, but this title isn’t given so much for his achievement, as it is for helping our children achieve. John has a passion for impowering his students and the community he lives in. John believes in being kind whenever possible, because it’s always possible, and in doing “the harder right instead of the easier wrong.”
Past Honorary Mayor 2017- 2019 Ben Smith, Mountain High General Manager served two terms and was well respected for his service to the Chamber and the Village. Under his watch the Chamber grew 50%. He will continue his service to the community as a director.
Last year’s Wrightwoodian of the Year Michele Kranekel, Chairperson for the Wrightwood Christmas Tree Lighting said, “Wrightwood is my home – and my life – and its future and mine are the same – and whatever I can do to make them better, I will do.”
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