Christian
By KATHERINE PETERSEN
Sunnyvale Mayor Robin Parker announced last week the winners of the city's annual community awards for achievement. The awards will be presented at the annual State of the City celebration, scheduled for the evening of May 9 at Sunnyvale Town Center.
The award for Distinguished Citizen of the Year will go to John W. Christian, Sunnyvale's director of parks and recreation. Christian is being recognized for his work with community organizations such as the Homestead High School band, youth sports leagues and heritage preservation.
The award for Outstanding Businessperson of the Year will be received by Leslie Lawton, owner of a small business called "We Produce," a word processing and transcription service in Sunnyvale. Lawton has helped small businesses succeed; she has a wide range of accomplishments with the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce and is involved in several community organizations.
The award for Outstanding Community Volunteer will go to Walter Rees of the Sunnyvale Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SARES). Rees was instrumental in the establishment of SARES 15 years ago. The group of 130 volunteer radio operators works closely with the Sunnyvale Public Safety Department as a key communications link during emergencies as a backup for telephone service. The volunteers also provide communications support for major community events.
Octavia Baker is being recognized as the Outstanding High School Senior of the Year. Baker, who lives in Sunnyvale, attends Mitty High School in San Jose, where she has excelled in academics, student leadership and community service.
"As always, I am extremely impressed with the caliber of both the nominees and the winners for the city's annual awards," Parker said.
The awards were determined by a selection committee of Sunnyvale citizens and business representatives appointed by Parker.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, April 17, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.