Among the recipients of the April 6 first-ever Community Recognition Awards were Gary Brown, Mary Fleischli, Mike Fox Sr. and Grace Ostrus. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga Community Access Cable Television Foundation Board also received awards.

West Valley Dean for Advancement Cindy Schelcher said community members nominated individuals and organizations who "have made a tremendous impact on the quality of programs, services and facilities" at the college. A committee consisting of representatives from throughout the college community then chose nominations and chose the six nominees who best fit the selection criteria.

Fleischli received recognition for her work as a member of the college foundation, as well as with the Olympiad of the Arts, a competitive artistic event started in 1928 by Villa Montalvo owner and founder U.S. Sen. James Phelan.

The competition showcases student art in a variety of mediums, including short stories, poetry, drama, musical composition, vocal music, sculpture, choreography and photography.

Fleischli said the event has occurred sporadically for more than 50 years but has been held annually since she took charge of it in 1984. She has since ceased working with the Olympiad to focus on her role as the artist coordinator for the Saratoga Rotary Art Show.

"She played a major role in our school in both getting scholarships and also saving the Olympiad of the Arts," Schelcher said. "She brought the event to life over here at West Valley College, and we were the catalyst for that event being saved for the youth of our community."

Fleischli, who attended West Valley College beginning in 1967, said she felt honored to receive recognition.

"With the Olympiad, we definitely feel that we're giving recognition to creative students, and they so seldom get their share," she said. "I have indeed made a contribution and indeed gotten one back."

Kristin Davis, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said she, too, was honored to receive an award on behalf of the organization. She said the Chamber works with the college on business-awareness seminars and often refers members to West Valley for its small-business development, entrepreneur and other business-related programs.

"We recognize the importance of having the community college within our community and all the opportunities they provide," Davis said. "The Chamber looks at the college as one of the many partners we have."

Other recipients were honored for a number of reasons.

Gary Brown is a physician's assistant who has provided free services and physical therapy to injured college athletes.

Mike Fox Sr. is the founder of M.E. Fox & Co. beer-distributing company and has been president of the Advancement Foundation board since 1997.

Grace Ostrus has given West Valley students scholarships and "supported them in times of need," according to Schelcher.

The Community Access Cable Television Foundation operates KSAR, Saratoga's cable access channel, which is based on the college campus. West Valley Advancement will offer the awards annually.