Kay Marie Sisto Memorial Walk/Run

Men as Peacemakers is a co-sponsor for this event. Please join us on Sunday, May 22.

 

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2011 Celebration of Community Peacemakers

The objective of this celebration is to honor and take note of those whose personal actions make our community a safer and healthier place to live. We use Martin Luther King’s definition of a peacemaker: “A peacemaker is someone who has sought to teach, to transform, to make friends, to heal, to defeat injustice or to choose love instead of hate.” We want to celebrate those who may be unknown to most of us but have done something special. They have gone beyond what they have to do in service to our community and its people. Past nominees have included: a drop-center director, a youth service worker, a day care provider, a government official, a student activist, a hospital volunteer, a student who worked with a person with developmental disabilities, a men’s group coordinator, a mentor and a teacher.

The 2011 recipients of the Steve Rolland Peacemaker Award are:

Adult Peacemaker – Thom Storm, as Parks and Recreation Specialist at Chester Bowl for over thirty years, has made a difference in the lives of a countless number of people. Thom implemented a volunteer component to the ski program at Chester Bowl, started a ski cadet program for Duluth skiers age 11-16 to mentor younger kids, and organized such programs as Music in the Park, Mayfest, and Fallfest. It has been said by a nominator that, “Thom’s whole being is peaceful. His actions and words are always kind and loving.”

Organization Peacemakers – Students for the Future “is a grassroots group formed in 2009 by students from East, Central, and Denfeld High Schools.” These young leaders have actively pursued peace by recruiting members from each school to meet once a week and assist with the transition into the new and remodeled high schools. Inspired by a leadership program they attended in Washington, DC, Students for the Future has promoted a peaceful and positive culture at their respective schools. This group is raising funds to bring the Rachel’s Challenge non-profit to Duluth for anti-bullying planning.

Peacemaker Scholarship – Cortez “CJ” Ham “has been a visible leader at his school, church, and community since he has been a youngster.” He is a member of Boys and Girls Club who tutored middle school students while in high school, is active in his church youth group at Living Faith Ministry, and is a Junior Rotarian. “CJ” is also a standout athlete on the Central High School football, basketball and track teams. A nominator said, “He makes time for everyone… People are drawn to him because of his warm and compassionate personality, and he uses his gifts to bring people together for the good of the cause.” He plans to further his education at Augustana College.

There were musical performances by Abraham Curran and Echoes of Peace Choir. Mayor Don Ness spoke and presented awards.