Community Awards Presented at Sunnyvale State of the City Event

Sunnyvale, CA (03/06/03) – At the City of Sunnyvale’s annual State of the City event on March 4, Mayor Julia Miller and the City Council presented awards to a number of residents, highlighting their exemplary contributions to the community.  Individuals received recognition in a number of categories, including:

Public Safety Award of Valor, given to citizens who have assisted fellow citizens and public safety officers during an emergency or in the face of danger.  Sunnyvale Middle School teacher, Rebecca Bryan, and student, Ricky Dobson, received the award for helping to rescue a student who was trying to commit suicide.

Outstanding High School Senior, given to students who demonstrate high achievement in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities.   Fremont High School senior, Michelle Wall, received the award for her work in the community with the Kiwanis Key Club, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organizations, and her excellent academic record.

Outstanding Community Volunteer, given to residents or community groups for exceptional volunteer contributions and inspiring others to volunteer service. Yolanda Risch received the award for her dedicated efforts on the Sunnyvale School District Education Foundation, Rotary Club, Leadership Sunnyvale, and many other service organizations.

Outstanding Military Service, given to individuals in the military who have made exceptional contributions to their country and the Sunnyvale community.   Staff Sergeant Timothy J. Capps, with the 129^th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield, received the award for his training, organizational, and leadership skills with the 129^th Medical Squadron and his participation with Habitat for Humanity and other community service.

Outstanding Environmental Achievement, given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to meeting the City’s environmental protection goals.   Teacher, Melinda Teves, and her Fifth Grade Class at Cumberland Elementary School received the award for their ongoing recycling efforts at the school and for teaching other students and teachers about recycling, composting, and other environmental activities.

Outstanding Businessperson, given to an individual whose service or business endeavors have made a positive and lasting contribution to the economy of Sunnyvale.  Jerry Nabhan, general manager of Special Solid Waste & Recycling, received the award for his innovative business practices which have saved the City thousands of dollars and for his work on the Chamber of Commerce in helping establish, develop, and promote business in Sunnyvale.

Distinguished Citizen of the Year, given to an individual whose efforts to improve the quality of life of the City have resulted in changes that touched the lives of many citizens. David Simons received the award for his work as president of Leadership Sunnyvale, serving on Sunnyvale’s Planning Commission, as a board member of the Sunnyvale School District Foundation, and his advocacy of bike paths and bicycle/pedestrian safety as part of the Valley Transportation Authority, among other contributions.

Mayor’s Award of Excellence, given as a discretionary award to recognize unique contributions by an individual or organization that demonstrates Sunnyvale’s commitment to excellence.  Robert Lawson received the award for his years of service to the community as a member of the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, Sunnyvale Democratic Club, long-time Chamber of Commerce member and its treasurer, Rotary Club member and its president, campaign treasurer for several elected officials, board member of the Mid-Peninsula Fair Housing Commission, among many others.  The mayor highlighted Mr. Lawson’s qualities of integrity, humor, objectivity, and his focus on mentoring others.