Outstanding Citizens Recognized by City of Encinitas

Encinitas, CA — Volunteer commissioners for the city of Encinitas handed out awards this week to four outstanding residents.

Mayor Kristin Gaspar and her fellow City Council members came together Wednesday night prior to the start of their meeting to help recognize the individuals for their service to the community.

"As representatives of their respective constituents, recognizing the work of these individuals by each of these commissions speaks volumes about the heart and soul of residents of all ages here in Encinitas," city officials stated in a news release. "The City of Encinitas congratulates its award recipients and is grateful for the great work they do for our community." 

Kennady Tracy, 15, was named Encinitas Youth of the Year by the Youth Commission because of her dedication to empowering youth and teens in her community. According to the news release, Kennady, an accomplished singer/songwriter who regularly performs live, hosts a weekly open mic at Studio Encinitas, teaches guitar lessons to many youth living in her neighborhood, and is a volunteer/mentor for this summer’s rock camp for girls held in Encinitas.

Cecilia Matsko was chosen as the recipient of the Senior Commission's Service to Seniors award based on her dedication to volunteer work at the Encinitas Senior Center. Always sporting a smile on her face, Matsko is an exemplary volunteer who always puts the needs of others before herself, according to the news release. Senior Center patron Maria Lewis described her as “a lovely, dear person with a sweet smile. I enjoy coming to the lunch program and being served by her.”
 
The Senior Commission also recognized Carolyn Cope with the Encinitas Senior Citizen of the Year award. Cope epitomizes a senior resident giving back to her community though her dedicated work on many volunteer causes and countless civic and public affairs, according to the news release. She is currently president of the Encinitas Historical Society and teaches children’s groups about the history of Encinitas.
 
The Parks and Recreation Commission named John Rodrigue its Outstanding Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year. In the last year, nobody has demonstrated significant leadership and commitment to enhancing and supporting parks and recreation experiences in Encinitas like Rodrigue, according to the news release. Many who know Rodrigue attest to the impact that he has made on the youth he has coached and mentored at the Encinitas Community Center through the teaching of basketball. 
 
The three city commissions will solicit nominations for these award categories in early 2017 for the great work accomplished during 2016. Only Encinitas residents are eligible for each commission’s awards program.
 
Community members who would like more information about these awards programs can visit the commission web pages at Encinitasca.gov and contact the staff liaison listed for each commission.

Photos: 

1. (Left to right): Cecilia Matsko, Carolyn Cope, Mayor Kristin Gaspar, Senior Citizen Commission Chair Lee Vance

2. (Left to right): Youth of the Year Kennady Tracy, Mayor Kristin Gaspar, Youth Commission Chair Delilah Forrest

3. (Left to right): Jon Rodrigue, Mayor Kristin Gaspar, Parks & Recreation Commission Chair John Gjata