Residents recognized for community contributions
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2006 Salute Morgan Hill Awards, and the recipients are Alfred Leonetti, Man of the Year; Jennifer Tate, Woman of the Year; Rosy’s at the Beach, Business of the Year; Brian Oliver, Educator of the Year; Brittany Bach, Student of the Year; and Laura Brunton, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.
Man of the year
As stated in his nomination form, Alfred Leonetti “…set the standard for leadership and community service and involvement in Morgan Hill.” Al’s organization and community involvement affiliations, include the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Morgan Hill, the Morgan Hill Planning Commission and City Council (Al is a former Mayor of Morgan Hill), St. Catherine’s Parish Council, Morgan Hill American Field Service, founder and board member of South Valley National Bank and the Morgan Hill Choraleers, with which he sang. Al was a 40-year downtown Morgan Hill business owner of the El Toro Shop. He has grown prize-winning giant pumpkins and flowers. He is especially known for his famous roses and daffodils.
Woman of the year
Jennifer Tate “…has been devoted to our community for almost three decades and has made her community a better place to live and work,” according to her nomination. It continued by saying, “She is an active member and officer in many organizations and also volunteers her time for some for whom she is not a member.” “If she accepts a ‘job,’ you can count on Jennifer to get it done…. She leads by example and has fun doing it.” A partial list of Jennifer’s affiliations include the Centennial Morgan Hill Steering Committee (president), Morgan Hill Historical Society (vice president and chairman of the Founders’ Day Dinner for the past five years), co-chair of the first All Night Grad Party for Live Oak High School, Nordstrom Elementary School Site Committee (Chairman), Rotary Club of Morgan Hill (Volunteer), Morgan Hill Community Foundation (Logistics Chairman, “Mayor’s Ball”), St. Catherine’s Church Out-Reach Program, Leadership Morgan Hill (two year chairman of the Leadership Excellence Award Dinner), Morgan Hill Unified School District (past board member) and Morgan Hill Chapter of Children’s Home Society (past president). Jennifer was also the owner of a downtown business, The Morgan Hill Seed Company, for eleven years and is now a personal trainer at Fitness Formula.
Business of the year
Rosy’s at the Beach is the 2006 Business of the Year and, according to her nomination, “…always willing to help any fundraiser in Morgan Hill and (makes) donations to various organizations.” Rosy is a Leadership Morgan Hill graduate and a board member of the Mt. Madonna YWCA, the Morgan Hill Downtown Association and the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and involved with other organizations, as well. As the person placing the nomination said regarding Rosy’s accomplishments, “I only know that Rosy’s tireless contributions and outstanding community sponsorship goes well above and beyond….”
Educator of the Year
The 2006 Educator of the Year is Live Oak High School World History and AP World History teacher Brian Oliver. Brian is in “Who’s Who of American Teachers,” has been published in the Old Dominion Historic Review and was the 2000 Student Teacher of the Year. Brian is affiliated with the National Council for the Social Studies, National Council for Geography Education, Phi Alpha Theta – International Honor Society in History, and Gamma Thetu Upsilon – International Geographical Honor Society. Brian brings extraordinary expertise and knowledge to Live Oak High School students. His nomination included the following: “…he is an educator committed to serving the needs of his students and their parents. As a social studies teacher, (Brian) is keenly aware of the critical nature of service and commitment to community…. He possesses that combination of intelligence, passion, and compassion that are essential in communicating with students today. Brian works tirelessly to challenge his students, using every means available to him to support their learning needs.” The nomination continues, “One student told me that ‘he is a teacher who is focused on learning and makes it interesting, even though it is history!’” Outside of the classroom, Brian also shows his commitment to serving Morgan Hill youth as head coach of the Morgan Hill LaCrosse Club teams. These teams include both boys and girls from across Morgan Hill. The nomination concludes by saying, “(Brian Oliver) embodies the finest qualities that are the hallmark of a quality teacher.”
Student of the Year
Brittany Bach is the 2006 Student of the Year who “…has been working tirelessly since she was 12 to make things better for kids in our community.” Brittany’s organization affiliations and community involvement include the Morgan Hill Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) (former secretary), Morgan Hill Youth Empowered for Success! (founding member), CA Democratic Party (delegate at CA Convention voting on youth issues), Ochoa Migrant Center, Santa Clara County Youth Task Force and South County Democratic Club (youth issues chair). Brittany recently developed the Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony, which was held to honor local youth leaders and encourage community involvement. Among Brittany’s awards and accomplishments, she has received the state legislature “Award for Dedication to Community” and “Award for Youth Leadership,” City of San Jose “Award for Excellence in Youth Advocacy,” and the Live Oak High School Academic Excellence Award for her 4.0 GPA.
Volunteer of the Year
A selection committee comprised of past award recipients and community members determines all of the above awards. The Chamber determines the final award, and the 2006 Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year is Laura Brunton. Laura is a Member of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Board and serves on the Executive Committee as secretary. In 2006, Laura will be vice chair. She also actively participates as a member of The Chamber’s Economic Development Committee (EDC), as well as the EDC Attraction and Retention Committee. Laura has served and continues to serve as chair of the Salute Morgan Hill and Installation Ceremonies and Showcase Morgan Hill Business Expo. Laura also volunteers for the Taste of Morgan Hill. In addition, Laura serves on the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, Independence Day Inc. (IDI), Morgan Hill Community Foundation and Morgan Hill Centennial Committee. Laura epitomizes what volunteering is all about. She contributes her time and expertise, without seeking recognition, because she genuinely and deeply cares about Morgan Hill and its future.
The 2006 Salute Morgan Hill Awards and Installation Ceremonies will be held Saturday, January 28, beginning at 6pm, at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. For information, please contact Special Events Director Michele Naylor at 779-9444 or mn*****@********ll.org.
