SAMMI Awards 2012 Finalist Profiles: Unsung Hero Award

This year the SAMMI Awards Foundation has invited Sammamish Patch to share with you the comments of finalists in its 11 award categories. We'll bring you several of these categories each day this week as we approach the March 16 awards ceremony. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 7 p.m. at Eastridge Church on 24205 SE Issaquah Fall City Road.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Girl Scout Troop 41595 has 6 girls who are doing a Silver Award Project to highlight past recipients at the Ceremony Reception. Be sure to stop by and say "Hi" to Sammamish Patch at the ceremony as well!

The foundation will be awarding the Youth Advocate Award this year in honor of Officer Stan Chapin, and is dedicating the ceremony in his memory of serving the community in so many ways. 

Here are this year's finalists, in their own words, for the Unsung Hero Award(See also  Teen Spirit and Spirit of Sammamish, and Art and Courage finalists. Last week, the Foundation announced the 2012 recipient of its 2012 Founder's Award):

Unsung Hero

One who goes beyond expectation in an inspirational and positive manner.

Rick Chinn: I became interested in audio when I was a junior geek in 8th grade and learned to run a 16mm projector. In high school, I was chair of the student committee that supplied sound for assemblies and other events. This was the time of the British Invasion, when suddenly every other kid in the 'hood was in a band and making music. I took what I knew to the next level by building sound systems for the local bands and eventually running sound for national level musical groups. Although you can buy everything you need today, off the shelf, getting the skills to operate it is still a challenge. There are now established programs at the Community Colleges, some 4-year institutions, and for-profit schools, like the Art Institutes. In spite of that, it's still very much finding someone who will take you under their wing. I hope that doing this for a few Seniors has helped give their Senior Projects meaning and helped them discover what THEY could do. When I heard about the Boys and Girls Club taking over the old library for use as a teen center, I wanted to be part of this. Even though my own kids are grown, being a part of this for my community was important to me, and it turned into a way for me to leave something for the kids who were still growing up here. A lot of people have given to me through the years, and giving back is the way to ensure the continuity of the circle. I have the time now, the experience, and the inclination. Why not?

Nancy Colburn: What I love best about volunteering is that it feels like time I’m spending on myself when I’m serving people I care about, from kids to babies to homeless women. I get to share my passions for art and education, for writing and literature, and for helping others learn new skills. Spending time at school with my kids’ friends allows me get to know them, helping them learn how to make clay sculptures, create fused glass art or find great stories at the book fair. I love to write grants that fund new books or upgrades programs that help students and teachers. Sharing my time and talents fills me up in ways I never anticipated when I first became a volunteer. You never know what change or growth you'll inspire with just an hour of time, but even just the chance to make an impact is where magic happens.

Jeff Mitchell: My background in volunteering with law enforcement led me to working with organizations that supported our military. Recognizing our Military, Police and Fire came naturally to me, and I thought that the best way to give back was to start Operation Bald Eagle that honors those who serve in the Armed Forces as well as our local law enforcement and fire. They give their all and it seemed right to find a way to give back to them. When we first started OBE it was about getting care packages out to the young men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with things that they really needed and to let them know someone back home appreciated their service. But, we also wanted to honor those who paid the ultimate price and remember them through a newer project: Picking Up the Pieces. We follow a family with their approval for several years after their loss to help honor their loved one and keep the memory alive. It has been and continues to be one of the best experiences of my life. I am honored to tell my story because I am truly humbled at the generosity of the public as well as the families we meet every day. It is the most rewarding pursuit I have ever taken and has touched my family and our hearts in so many ways.

Craig Ross: For the past 2½ years I have volunteered for the City of Sammamish as an Assistant Engineer. Volunteering for the City allows me to contribute to the City and get to know a little about how the City works. In turn I am learning something new and meeting some very nice people. I love the feeling that comes with the completion of a project, and it really energizes me for the next challenge. Over the years I have volunteered for a number of different organizations. When I am asked why I continue to volunteer, and encourage others to do as well I tell them that volunteering always gives back more than one expects, and perhaps in unexpected ways. It is that sense of fulfillment I get every time that I do what I do.

Harry Tehranian: I have learned that one becomes a leader by being an expert follower. Giving an example of humility, dedication to honest, hard work, perseverance and respect for co-workers, I try my best to live and work harmoniously. I follow the wisdom of begin with small things that one may achieve the great ones. Paying attention to details, following the rules of ethical behavior, knowing right from wrong, practicing the Golden Rule and honoring the dignity of others are some of the values that carry me from one challenge to the next. My inspiration in life is helping others realize the fruition of their aspirations. We all seek peace, happiness and love in our lives. These desirable goals can be achieved by maintaining a commitment to living a virtuous life. The real pleasure in my life is sharing the blessings I have received with those in need. For me, this is an effective means to build a community of compassion.