Here Are Golden's Mayor's Awards For Excellence Winners

GOLDEN, CO – Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan hosted her eighth annual Mayor’s Community Celebration at Colorado School of Mines Student Center Tuesday night. Inspirational speaker and childhood burn victim John O’Leary shared his presentation on optimism in the face of extreme challenges.

Sloan and a committee of judges also honored community members with the Mayor’s Awards of Excellence which make notice of "exceptional individuals and businesses in Golden."

Here are this year's winners, as announced by the city:

Individual Award: Kim Brock has been the chairperson of the Golden Schools Foundation (GSF) since 2013. In that time, she has implemented innovative programs like summer academic bootcamps at Bell Middle School and Golden High School, elementary tutoring programs, and the teaching excellence program. Under her leadership, GSF's private donor funding has grown 182 percent and grant support has grown an impressive 940 percent. Additionally, Kim manages and oversees all aspects of the Golden Gallop - a community event that involves over 1,000 runners, 100 volunteers, and is the main fundraiser for GSF. She is an advocate for our local schools, recognizing that strong neighborhood schools are the cornerstone of strong neighborhoods and successful students.

Individual Award: Don and Carol Cameron are models of good citizenship and community advocacy. They are passionate voices for conservation, sustainability, and biking. Their home has become a meeting place for those who share their legendary neighborhood garden. Carol graduated from the Air Force Academy and was a pilot for United Airlines. She chairs the Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycling Program. Don, who has been an engineer and a teacher, serves on the Golden Planning Commission and strives to bring more affordable housing to Golden.

Business Award: The Lunch and Life Program has grown dramatically from its humble beginnings of about six students in 2000, to become one of the primary connections between Mines students, Calvary Episcopal Church, and the Golden community. During the fall and spring semesters, several hundred students from many nations and walks Lunch and Live Program of life, enjoy a homemade meal in the ambiance of unconditional love and hospitality. To date, over 26,000 meals have been served to students, thanks to the joyful consistency of about 20 hardworking volunteers.

Gold Mine Award: The Colorado School of Mines Dance Team for their contribution to the Golden community while representing Mines. With their hard work and dedication, the Mines Dance team has brought their spirit into all that they do. Not only are they involved with athletic events Mines Dance teamand campus appearances, they also participate in community events such as the Buffalo Bill Days parade and interact with community families during Nightmare on Greek Street. We look forward to seeing what the Mines Dance Team has in store for the rest of the year and we thank them for all of their positive energy that they bring to Golden!

Related: Nominations Due For Golden's Mayors Awards of Excellence

Images via City of Golden

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