City of Dublin Recognizes Outstanding Individuals and Groups

The Shannon Community Center was decked out in shamrocks and roses for a Volunteer Recognition event held on Wednesday, February 19, where the City of Dublin announced its 2019 Citizen, Young Citizen, and Organization of the Year.

Mayor Haubert, Vice Mayor Arun Goel and Councilmembers Melissa Hernandez, Jean Josey and Shawn Kumagai read the nominations and awarded certificates to the recipients. The Mayor acknowledged that this was one of the Council's favorite events as they got to show appreciation to the many outstanding individuals and groups who have contributed to the quality of life in Dublin this past year.

Citizen of the Year 2019, Liz Crocker, was nominated for her efforts in supporting the award-winning Dublin High School Irish Guard Band and Colorguard. In a heartwarming moment during her acceptance speech Ms Crocker acknowledged the example set by her mother and also recognized her close friend Katherine Utsumi, a longstanding community volunteer, who was also a nominee for the award.

Mayor David Haubert also announced the recipients of the Mayor’s Award and Mayor’s Legacy Award.

Award recipients for the Year 2019 are:

Citizen : Liz Crocker
Young Citizen : Emily Que and Haley Tjon
Organization: Dublin 4-H
Mayor’s Award: Vanessa Thomas and the Dublin Arts Collective
Mayor’s Legacy Award: GFWC Dublin/San Ramon Women’s Club

Nomination criteria for both the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards are based on the Dublin Integrity in Action Program’s 10 Characteristics: Responsibility, Respectfulness, Caring, Giving, Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Cooperation, Doing One’s Best, Honesty, and Self-Discipline.

The Young Citizen of the Year recognizes the volunteer service of Dublin’s youth in 1st – 12th grade. Award recipients Emily Que and Haley Tjon have made powerful contributions to the community by expanding Dublin High’s Interact Club whose focus is action projects to improve outcomes on both the local and international level.

"Under Emily and Haley, Dublin High’s Interact club has grown to its current 150 members, 75
of whom are regularly active. This is a huge increase from past years. They have been excellent
leaders, compassionate citizens, and amazing mentors for the club," said Dublin High School Principal Maureen Byrne.

2019 Organization of the Year, Dublin 4-H is a chapter one of the oldest youth organizations in the country, founded in 1902.

"The organization has always focused on the betterment and development of youth, mainly through volunteerism and volunteer leaders, " said nominator Sowmya Ramani, " the Dublin chapter of 4-H is a true reflection of all the 4-H values. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the chapter has a glorious history. Ever since its inception in 1950, the chapter has been championing community service and youth leadership in Dublin by providing an open and encouraging environment for kids and youth between 7 to 19 years to build self-esteem and participate in learning activities that focus on building qualities like Citizenship, Leadership, Social Responsibility, and Respectfulness." The Organization of the Year 2019 Award was received by Sharon Clay who has volunteered for the chapter for over 35 years.

The Mayor’s Award is a special award that the Mayor presents to someone whom he believes has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Dublin community in the previous calendar year. Vanessa Thomas and volunteers from the Dublin Arts Collective received the award and highlighted upcoming arts events to be held at the St Patrick's Day Festival on March 14 and 15 including the "Chair to Remember" Temporary Public Art display of Adirondack Chairs (which will be auctioned off to support arts programming) and a community mural painting activity.

The Mayor’s Legacy Award is an award that the Mayor presents to a group or individual to recognize extraordinary, long-term dedication to the Dublin community. The 2019 recipients, the GFWC Dublin / San Ramon Women's Club has the mission of "Honoring the motto of Unity in Diversity, we come together as unique individuals dedicated to community improvement with fundraising and volunteer labor to support our local schools, children's charities, conservation projects, services benefitting the homeless, veterans, healthcare, historic preservation foundations, and much more."

Award recipients will be recognized at the March 3, 2020, City Council meeting. The Organization of the Year will receive a $500 cash prize, and a $300 donation will be given to each of the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year’s favorite non-profit organization.

Information on each of the award recipients and the other nominees can be found on the City’s website – www.dublin.ca.gov/volunteers.