First Lady awards represent Alaska

Each year, the wife of the governor selects the Volunteer of the Year award winners. This year's list of winners represent communities around Alaska, and a measure of service that few attain.

This year, there were more than 60 nominations, and 10 award winners were chosen, including two from the Valley.

"It is gratifying to know that the spirit of selfless giving to the community remains strong in our state," Nancy Murkowski said. "With so many nominees it was a challenge to select just a few winners, but I was impressed at how many ways Alaskans volunteer their time and effort to help their neighbors. These 10 people truly represent the best of Alaska."

Nominations are reviewed by the First Lady and an awards committee at a meeting in Anchorage.

This year, they met on April 10, and the awards banquet was on April 28.

The 10 winners this year include two Valley winners, Sharon Kern and Kimberly Carr, who are profiled in the related story, as well as:

Page Bradbury of Dillingham, a mental health counselor who volunteers at a local domestic violence shelter and with her local church;

Robert Flint of Anchorage, who in 30 years of volunteer service helped establish the Brother Francis Shelter for homeless adults, Covenant House for homeless teens, and Clare House to aid homeless women and children.

Grace Johnson of Anchorage, who has for 15 years coordinated the Anchorage chapter of an international food collection and delivery service for needy families;

Barbara Lehman of Eagle River/Fort Richardson, whose volunteer work extends from service to military spouses and families on Fort Richardson, to leadership positions with her local church, to helping with Chugiak High School, Boy Scouts, and other groups;

Katherine Stevens of Anchorage, whose service includes working 12 years as a Bishops Attic cashier and recently as the thrift store board's president; helping shop, clean and cook for disabled Alaskans; and providing multiple services to her neighbors and strangers alike;

Kathy Vik of Eagle River, a school teacher who focuses on service to the young by organizing anti-violence programs, advising student volunteers, helping with a student leadership development group, and helping build school-businesses partnerships;

Mary Knodel of Nome, who serves on numerous Northwest Alaska boards and commissions; serves young people as a Little League coach, Girl Scout leader and school speaker; and supports a variety of other public services;

Yohyon Pharr of Anchorage, a mortgage loan officer who works to integrate other Korean-Americans with Anchorage through translation services, voter registration drives, political forums, health fairs, and service as director of the Bridge Builders program.

The fact so many nominations were received, and the quality of service by those nominees, made one state official proud.

"We are delighted with the wide range of service evidenced by the nominees, and especially with the dedication to volunteerism exemplified by these winners," said Shannon Planchon, the project coordinator for the Alaska State Community Service Commission.