Wyoming City Council recognizes eight Citizens of the Year for volunteer service

The Wyoming City Council recognized eight residents as the city’s 2024 Citizens of the Year at a community ceremony held at Wyoming High School, honoring sustained volunteer service across schools, churches and neighborhood organizations.

The awards highlighted volunteers whose work supports student activities, musical programs, neighborhood events, food distribution and civic planning. The recipients include Clarissa (president of the Wyoming Students’ Music Association); Joanne Inney; Chris Harmon (chair, Economic Development Commission); Kevin Helzer (founder/leader of the Thanksgiving box program); Michael Hawk; Ella Hummel (Wyoming High School junior); Jeff McFarland (director of finance and interim CFO, RH Arrow Systems); and Mayor Melissa Monnick.

City officials said the awards celebrate longstanding, often behind-the-scenes contributions that sustain community events and services. Presenters described candidates’ civic leadership, fundraising and volunteer coordination that city leaders and neighbors say strengthen Wyoming’s civic life.

Clarissa, who serves as president of the Wyoming Students’ Music Association, was credited with organizing student musicians, chaperoning teams to statewide competitions and adapting music events during the COVID period so seniors still had recognition events. An unnamed presenter said, “The world is a better place with people like Clarissa. You feel like you're a better person just knowing and working with her.” The presenter described efforts to convert larger events into porch performances and “Fortissimo to go” deliveries to keep arts activities alive during the pandemic.

Kathy Sanborn presented Joanne Inney as a quiet but constant volunteer, citing longtime involvement with the Wyoming Women’s Club, the Stout Avenue Fourth of July Street Picnic, the North Pole Express train ride and other local events. Sanborn said Inney helped the club avoid dry-cleaning costs for event linens by laundering them at home so more money could go to scholarships.

Chris Harmon was recognized for long-term work on economic and community planning. Presenters noted Harmon's role as chair of the Economic Development Commission and his involvement with the Community Improvement Corporation and master planning efforts that shaped streetscape and civic-center projects.

Kevin Helzer was honored for founding and building the Thanksgiving box program, which began modestly and grew to include multiple area churches and a drive-through packing model during COVID. Presenters said the program expanded from about 100 boxes in its first year to 300 in a later year and that, over roughly 15 years, volunteers have fed nearly 5,000 families through the program.

Marybeth Fisher presented Michael Hawk, describing decades of volunteer service on Grove Avenue and 22 years on the board of building and zoning appeals, five years as chair. Fisher said Hawk led neighborhood renovation efforts, advised neighbors on projects and consistently helped maintain the neighborhood’s historic charm.

Ella Hummel, a Wyoming High School junior, was honored for extensive student volunteering and leadership. Mr. Seiler, a Wyoming High School teacher, was quoted as saying, “Her academic performance is stellar, and her writing and critical analysis are among the top in her class.” Presenters said Hummel has logged service hours across local events and earned a presidential service award.

Jeff McFarland was presented for community leadership and youth mentoring; presenters noted his military service, work with youth organizations, and roles creating local fathers’ groups and fitness fellowship programs.

Mayor Melissa Monnick was also recognized for her civic leadership, including work on the Village Green redevelopment, Crescent Park revitalization and local trail extensions, plus volunteer work with Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center and Queen City Angels. Presenters emphasized her dual role in elected office and ongoing volunteer work.

The ceremony concluded with organizers thanking presenters, the City of Wyoming, Wyoming City Council and the schools for hosting the event, and encouraging nominations for future Citizens of the Year. Organizers said forms are available on the city website.

Notes: This article summarizes remarks made during the ceremony; no formal council votes or policy actions were recorded in the provided transcript.