Hilton Head Island
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The Mayor's Honored Islander Award Program publicly recognizes Hilton Head Island residents who make a significant sacrifice of their time, talents and/or resources, to better the community without compensation or significant public or media attention.
A committee of individuals appointed by the mayor reviews nominations and selects individuals to receive the award.
Anyone or any organization may nominate individuals for the award.
Mayor's Honored Islander Nomination Form
Congratulations to Joseph Chappell, Marsha Jenkins, Ray Makalous, Sherwood Platt, and Dr. Rick Sunderlin on receiving the Hilton Head Island Mayor's Honored Islander Award for volunteerism.
Joseph Chappell Joseph has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island since 2011, serving as president from 2022 to 2023. He also serves on the board of the Hilton Head Island Computer Club, where he teaches classes and assists members with networking and security issues. In addition, Joseph volunteers with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO) and led the team that created the SoundWaves live streaming program when COVID made live performances impossible. He now serves as the streaming director for the HHSO and has used his streaming skills to benefit Rotary, the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra, and Memory Matters. Furthermore, Joseph has co-chaired the team of RBC Heritage volunteers who staff over 12 ticket entry gates at this annual tournament.
Marsha Jenkins Hilton Head Native Marsha Jenkins has dedicated her life to educating youth, from preschoolers to high schoolers. She was a lead teacher at the Children's Center, where she spent 45 years of her career. Recently, the Center's breakroom was named in her honor. Beyond the center, Marsha has volunteered with various organizations that offer youth programs. Since 1995, she has served as the Youth Program organizer and advisor at the Historic First African Baptist Church, engaging youth in Easter and Christmas programs, vacation bible school and other activities to learn about Jesus Christ. Marsha lends her organizational skills to the Veronica Simmons-Miller Memorial Backpack Initiative, serving as its volunteer coordinator and supervisor. She is also the volunteer supervisor for the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, where she is responsible for recruiting, training and supervising youth and adult docents to provide educational information about Gullah history and culture during the museum's annual celebrations.
Ray Makalous Ray Makalous' extensive volunteer work and ability to create impactful connections improves the quality of life on Hilton Head Island and beyond. A dedicated member of the Sunset Rotary Club, Ray has also fostered collaboration with the Bluffton Rotary Club to amplify collective efforts for the greater good. As co-founder of the Java Men Thursday Coffee Group, Ray has brought civic-minded Island residents together to exchange ideas and identify volunteer opportunities at local charitable organizations where they can fill a need. He embodies the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," by importing and launching initiatives that improve lives. One example is the Giving Grove Charitable Farming program, which he introduced in the Lowcountry. This national program establishes sustainable micro-orchards in urban areas, providing fresh food to those in need and addressing hunger in meaningful ways. Ray's advocacy extends to affordable housing, where he has helped Christ Lutheran Church and other volunteers preserve affordable housing options at Chimney Cove, protecting residents from potential displacement. He also championed efforts for the successful passage of Beaufort County School District's $439 million bond issue, ensuring strong investments in local education. Ray truly represents the spirit of giving and community leadership and inspires those around him to join in his efforts to build a stronger, more connected Lowcountry.
Sherwood Platt When Sherwood Platt permanently moved to Hilton Head Island four years, he immediately started volunteering at Pockets Full of Sunshine. Every weekday, you can find this 90-year-old volunteer at the organization's warehouse figuring out a way to help, whether it's repairing something or creating something out of wood that can be used in the program or sold as part of a fundraiser. Sherwood has become the organization's jack-of-all-trades using his handyman and woodworking skills for their programs, activities and fundraisers for special needs adults. Some of his recent woodworking projects include holiday ornaments, bird houses, Adirondack chairs and corn hole sets that are then painted or decorated by the special needs adults and sold at community events as part of their fundraising efforts. He also built a Little Free Library that will be placed in the community on behalf of Pockets Full of Sunshine to provide books to local readers of all ages. The team at Pockets Full of Sunshine calls Sherwood "grandfather" for his contributions, the lunchtime stories he shares with program participants and his work as an unofficial ambassador who spreads the word about the organization to encourage other community members to get involved. He has a giving spirt and a heart of gold and truly makes a difference in the lives of the special needs adults.
Dr. Rick Sunderlin Dr. Rick Sunderlin, a dedicated volunteer endocrinologist at the Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic on Hilton Head Island, has been serving the community for 25 years. He has accumulated over 6,500 volunteer hours, regularly covering four of the clinic's seven medical shifts. He provides care to more than 800 diabetic patients and treats individuals with thyroid conditions. His treatment approach includes quarterly check-ups with patients to monitor their blood sugar levels and educate them on healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Known for his cheerful and engaging demeanor, Dr. Sunderlin is a vital member of both the VIM and Hilton Head Island communities.
Congratulations to Faquita Aiken-Rivera, Jeff Rogers and Jean Vahey on receiving the Hilton Head Island Mayor's Honored Islander Award for volunteerism.
Faquita Aiken-Rivera Faquita Aiken-Rivera's passion for helping children thrive and expand their knowledge is at the core of her volunteer work and professional life. A proud Hilton Head Island native, Faquita serves as a Behavior Management Specialist at the Hilton Head Island School for Creative Arts, where she goes above and beyond to support hundreds of students. From ensuring they have uniforms to providing transportation to practices and guiding them toward positive choices, Faquita truly prioritizes their success both in and out of the classroom. In 2017, Faquita launched the Veronica Simmons Miller Back-to-School Initiative to honor her late mother, who passed away in 2018. This initiative, which started by providing essential school supplies and new shoes to students in grades K-12, has grown into an annual community event. Beyond distributing supplies, the event now includes lunch, fun activities for children, and motivational speakers to inspire students for the year ahead. Faquita collaborates with local church groups and businesses to secure the resources needed to reach as many children as possible. Her tireless efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.
Jeff Rogers Since retiring and moving to Hilton Head Island in 2017, Jeff Rogers has embraced the Island's spirit of community by dedicating his time to the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, the Deep Well Project, and Second Helpings. As Fundraising Chair for Rotary, he played a role in securing funds to provide financial assistance for underserved students with exceptional academic achievement. Jeff's contributions to the Deep Well Project include volunteering in its food pantry and later stepping into a leadership role as the Director of Building Maintenance and Transportation. Jeff has also been involved with the Salvation Army's bell-ringing program in recent years and serves as a key volunteer for the RBC Heritage and other community events, where he represents Rotary with dedication and enthusiasm. With a genuine heart for service, Jeff exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that makes Hilton Head Island a special place.
Jean Vahey Jean Vahey has been an integral part of the Hilton Head Island community for 12 years, dedicating her time and talents to numerous leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Hilton head Island. Jean has served as the coordinator for the Deep Well Christmas Shop, thoughtfully organizing donated toys, clothes, and gifts to help parents create joyful holidays for their children. After retiring from her part-time position with the Deep Well Project, Jean continued volunteering with the Christmas Shop. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, Jean has embraced several leadership roles, including serving as a deacon, an usher, and the leader of a neighborhood care group. Her active participation extends to social witness activities and small groups. Beyond her church and Rotary involvement, Jean lends her expertise as the Volunteer Coordinator for the World Affairs Council.
Congratulations to Alicia Daly, Galen Miller, and Terry Hall on receiving the Hilton Head Island Mayor's Honored Islander Award for volunteerism.
Alicia Daly For numerous years, Alicia Daly has committed her time to youth programs, including serving as an administrator for Lowcountry Lightning Athletics and participating in Hilton Head Preparatory School and Hilton Head Island Elementary School programs. She has extensive experience with nonprofit organizations, where she is known for fostering connections. Her profound influence on youth programs and collaborative efforts with educators continues to have a lasting mark on our community.
Galen Miller Galen Miller, a native of Hilton Head Island, is a steadfast presence in his community, dedicating himself to various service initiatives. As Chairman of the Hilton Head Island MLK Committee for Justice, he champions causes related to social justice, including efforts to restore historic Gullah cemeteries, organizes community events that bring people together, and serves on various boards to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are heard. The Hilton Head Island MLK Committee for Justice is also known for its positive impact. The committee has supported students with scholarships and generates awareness around social justice. For many years, Galen has worked diligently to make a difference that will continue to create change for years.
Terry Hall Captain Terry Hall is a full-time fisherman known locally for his positive impact on and offshore. Born and raised in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Terry grew up with a passion for the outdoors. In the summer of 1999, he moved to Hilton Head Island. Terry teamed up with a friend the following year to buy their first boat. He enjoys volunteering with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons when he's not leading fishing charter trips. They routinely dedicate their time to the Island Rec Center, with Terry being the center's flag football coach. Over the years, he devoted countless hours to positively impacting young athletes' lives while educating visitors looking to explore our waters.
Congratulations to Brenda Bruce, Chester C. Williams, Charlotte Sanford, Gil and Marriett Cambell, Steve Stauffer, Tim Reynolds, Tricia Lynch and Vince Schulte on receiving the Hilton Head Island Mayors Honored Islander Award for their volunteerism.
Brenda Bruce Brenda Bruce is dedicated to ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry. The Hunger Coalition, a volunteer-driven organization, is at the forefront of this mission. Through their Backpack Buddies program, they supply weekend food for children who may not have access to it at home. Brenda plays a pivotal role in overseeing every aspect of the organization, from grant writing and financial management to coordinating food orders, packing sites, and volunteers. Her remarkable attention to detail guarantees the smooth and seamless operation of every step in the process.
Chester C. Williams When in need of assistance, Chester "Chet" is the go-to person. As an attorney, he has been operating the Law Office of Chester C. Williams, LLC on Hilton Head Island since 2002. Throughout the years, Chet has been actively involved in serving the community, providing legal advice and services to numerous indigent families on the island. Notably, he has taken a leading role in advising and supporting several Gullah families in navigating legal titles to heirs' property. While expressing his willingness to help whenever possible, Chet's commitment to Hilton Head Island extends beyond his legal practice. He has dedicated his efforts to collaborating with the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCCA), The Gullah Museum, and various historic Gullah churches, addressing issues that impact their functionality in the community.
Charlotte Sanford For over 35 years, Charlotte has called Hilton Head Island home and has devoted a significant amount of her time to volunteerism. She served as the treasurer and board member for the teacher organization at Hilton Head Island Middle School for seven years. In this capacity, she adeptly managed accounting, national certificates, registration, and more. Charlotte also made significant contributions to the Hilton Head High School PTSO, Seahawk Theater Guild, and Backpack Buddies. Her dedicated volunteer hours positively impacted the lives of both children and young adults she interacted with daily. Additionally, Charlotte played a key role in the fundraising efforts for these organizations. Notably, she contributed to the success of the LowcoStrong COVID Fundraiser, which resulted in generous donations to Bargain Box, Pockets Full of Sunshine, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Gil and Marriett Campbell Gil and Marriett Campbell, a local couple, find joy in dedicating their time to volunteer work. Their activities range from assisting Hurricane Matthew clean-up volunteers to participating in construction projects with Habitat for Humanity, and teaching English to Spanish-speaking residents. Beyond their volunteer commitments, the pair extends their generosity by providing counseling services, sharing their wealth of knowledge and experiences on topics such as personal finance, small business matters, church welfare, and self-reliance.
Steve Staufferp; Long-time resident Steve Stauffer seamlessly embodies the role of a local leader. Currently serving as the acting president of the Van Landingham Rotary Club, Steve is instrumental in guaranteeing the success of community events, organizational efforts, and coordinating arrangements for the club's annual auction. Prior to this position, he was past president and a member of the executive committee for the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association board of directors. Steve's combined leadership skills and unwavering support have contributed to the organization raising over $300,000 for the children's scholarship fund and establishing equal access to community recreation for all residents in the Hilton Head Island area.
Tim Reynolds The celebration of the arts on Hilton Head Island is a year-round affair, sustained by the dedication of passionate individuals like Tim Reynolds. Tim has been an active participant in the arts community for over a decade. He is particularly renowned for his 20-plus years as the director of the Hilton Head Choral Society and his simultaneous 15-year tenure as the director of music at St. Andrew by the Sea United Methodist Church.
Tricia Lynch For more than 28 years, Tricia has made Hilton Head Island her home and has devoted her time to youth programs. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, where she serves as a board member and the International Service Club Director. In this capacity, Tricia collaborates with Rotary youth exchange students. Moreover, she acts as the Rotary Club liaison to the Interact Club of Hilton Head Island. Tricia's influence on youth and her dedicated work for the trustees resonate in our community and beyond.
Vince Schulte The prosperity of Hilton Head Island is driven by individuals committed to making a positive impact, and Vince Schulte exemplifies this spirit. Renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship skills, Vince is equally recognized for his service to those less fortunate. Since 2008, he has been actively contributing his time to the Deep Well Livable Housing Program. He has built decks, installed cabinetry, addressed plumbing issues, and replaced floors. His dedication ensures that all islanders have a safe and healthy place to call home.
The Mayor's Honored Islander Award Program publicly recognizes Hilton Head Island residents who sacrifice their time, talents, and resources to better the community without compensation or significant public or media attention. A committee of individuals appointed by the mayor reviews nominations and selects recipients. Anyone or any organization may nominate individuals for the award.
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