Spirit of Our Community Awards
Each year, the Chamber hosts these community awards to recognize well-deserving individuals who dedicate their lives and talents to positively influence the Cashiers Area communities. Winners are determined by committee and announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting & Celebration in November.
Place a 2019 Spirit of our Community Award Nomination | OR Print the Nomination Form
SPIRIT AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR | Presented to an individual who has significantly and positively impacted community development through vision, innovation, and leadership.
BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR | Presented to a business representative who has leveraged commercial resources to support community initiatives in an extraordinary manner.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR | Presented to a teacher or administrator who has uniquely promoted character development and motivation as a foundation for future success.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR | Presented to an individual who has generously given of their personal time, talent and/or financial support to improve the lives of those in our community.
ARTS & CULTURE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR | Presented to an individual, business, or other organization whose work promotes artistic enhancement or cultural awareness.
EVERGREEN AWARD | Presented to an individual, business or other organization whose work reflects the respect of natural resources and the value of sustainability.
PAST WINNERS
2019
Citizen of the Year- Carl Hyde
Volunteer of the Year- Melanie jones
Educator of the Year- Wendy Stewart
Businessperson of the Year- Brien Peterkin Sr.
Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year- Sarah Hall
Evergreen Award- Cashiers Historical Society
2018
Citizen of the Year- Vanna Cameron
Volunteer of the Year- Rick & Vicky Robson
Educator of the Year- Donna Smith
Businessperson of the Year- Sam Lupas
Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year- Justin Allman
Evergreen Award- Southern Highlands Reserve
2017
Citizen of the Year- Bill & Kathe Canby
Volunteer of the Year- Jim Dunn
Educator of the Year- Teri Walawender
Businessperson of the Year- Glenn Ubertino
Evergreen Award- the Team at Canyon Kitchen in Lonesome Valley
Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year- Kay Wolf & English Language Learners Team
2016
Citizen of the Year- Terry Beye
Volunteer of the Year- Dr. Mel Livernois
Educator of the Year- Margaret McRae
Businessperson of the Year- Josh Crawford
Evergreen Award- High Hampton Inn & Country Club
2015
Citizen of the Year- Ann Austin
Volunteer of the Year- Ronnie Sitton
Educator of the Year- Beth Poteat
Businessperson of the Year- Roy Taylor
Evergreen Award- John McCarley
2014
Citizen of the Year- William A. McKee
Volunteer of the Year- Marcia Shawler
Educator of the Year- Wanda Crisp
Businessperson of the Year- Jim Zoller
Evergreen Award- Valley Garden Club
2013
Citizen of the Year- Howard Meister
Volunteer of the Year- Jerry Presley
Educator of the Year- Jack Talmadge
Businessperson of the Year- Debby Hattler
Evergreen Award- Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
2012
Citizen of the Year- Lynn Keating
Volunteer of the Year- Cashiers Valley Community Council
Educator of the Year- Brad Hughes
Businessperson of the Year- Ben Woods
Evergreen Award- Village Conservancy, McKinney Meadow