Spirit of Idaho Award

September 2, 2011 - John Corcoran of Coeur d'Alene for creating Elderhelp, a non-profit group that assists area senior citizens with everything from errands to heating their homes. The award presentation will take place at the Resort Properties by the Lake, 221 Sherman Ave.

February 19, 2010 - Tiger Health and Wellness Clinic at Jerome Middle School, Jerome.  This clinic is a group of middle school students who have an interest in medical professions.  Clinics are held once a month, and are targeted at students who do not have health insurance.

October 14, 2010 - Monte Bruhn for sponsoring a big-game hunt for Idaho veterans who have sacrificed for their country. The hunting experience, free to veterans, was named in honor of Army Corporal Doug Bridges of Buhl.

	March 20, 2009 - Maya Hippenstiel, Coeur d'Alene.  Maya (age 7), saved her brother, Mason Crabtree,  from drowning in an abandoned well.  The brother and sister were sledding behind their grandparent’s house when their sled crashed and both kids ended up in the well.  Maya was able to pull herself out of the well, wedged the sled on top of the ground, threw her brother the sled rope and ran for help.
	February 19, 2009 - Conner Magnuson, Pocatello.  Conner asked his friends to bring gifts for the troops in lieu of presents for his seventh birthday.
	February 19, 2009 - Wiley Petersen,Fort Hall.  Wiley, a world-class professional bull rider, signed photographs and gave autographs to fans who brought a new unwrapped gift for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive.

March 1, 2008 - Alexis Rice and Kaycie Clark, Soda Springs. Alexis and Kaycie worked to create “The Station” as a safe haven foryouth activities in the former Soda Springs police station. Rice and Clark spearheaded the volunteer effort to create the center with funding help from the city of Soda Springs. More than 20 area youth visit “The Station” on average each night it is open as a safe place to hang out and enjoy activities with friends. The center offers recreation opportunities such as pool tables, and is a positive alternative to roaming city streets.

March 1, 2008 - Larry and Andrea Hlavaty, Soda Springs. Larry and Andrea Hlavaty were honored for their plans to help construct a new, three-roomschool house for children in Southeast Asia. Larry Hlavaty is a Vietnam Veteran who has decided to “give back” to residents where he once served. The former Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer will travel to Vietnam in April to help construct the schoolhouse near the Vietnam-Laos border. Hlavaty will direct the effort despite injuries which left him disabled from a mine explosion during his earlier service in Vietnam.

March 8, 2008 - Brontee Dominique Sherer, Pocatello.  Sherer organized anevent called “Spice Up The Night.” The event, which was held last September 11th, honored the service of Sgt. Gummersall and Sgt. Stephens, both of Pocatello, and provided a remembrance tribute for the community about the 9/11 tragedy.

 

 

March 8, 2008 - Scott Danielson,Malad. Danielson is the past president of the Malad Valley Theater Guild/The Iron Door Playhouse. Through his behind-the-scenes activities, Danielson has helped hundreds of students gain an appreciation for the arts and theater, and volunteering for the community. 

 

February 23, 2007 - Students at Hawthorne Elementary School, Pocatello. For their efforts on behalf of soldiers in Iraq. The students conducted a very successful coin drive to raise funds which were contributed to soldiers.

February 23, 2007 - Jayde Hair, Pocatello. She conducted a collection for money to purchase shoes for children in Guatemala and was able to raise enough money for 500 pairs of shoes.

July 14, 2007 - CBH Homes, Boise.  The company coordinated an "Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition" build for the popular ABC TV show.  A Middleton family received a new home and additional assistance through the project.

August 10 , 2007 - Elyse Bartschi, Montpelier. Honored for helping children in her community obtain wishes through the Make A Wish Foundation. The wishes include a new bedroom, trips to Disney World and a play set for the backyard.

January 11, 2006 - Joe Hinson and Margaret Soulen-Hinson, Weiser. For their efforts regarding species conservation . Representative C.L. "Butch" Otter is also pictured.

May 6, 2005 - Mel Shelton, Boise. For his efforts in music education over many years as a professor at Boise State University.

May 6, 2005 - Brenda Cameron, Caldwell. For her efforts to increase public awareness and education about family and domestic violence and to create a local shelter for women and families in need of assistance.

August 3, 2005 - Don Barnes, Joel Clark, Scott Hayes and Jerry Hawkins, all of Custer County. For their efforts regarding the Endangered Species Act.

August 8, 2005 - Albertson's, Inc., Boise. For support and donations made to deployed Idaho troops.

August 19, 2005 - Steve Carlton, Lewiston. For his efforts and long service at the local Boys and Girls Club.

January 8, 2004 - Ben Gleason, Lewiston. For his patriotic efforts to bring happiness to soldiers serving in Iraq. Ben, a 1st grader at McSorley Elementary School, started a class project to have students make original drawings for the soldiers. I was honored to assist in getting the drawings delivered to the military for distribution. 

January 9, 2004 - Marilyn Hunt, Coeur d'Alene. For volunteer work with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in Idaho.

January 9, 2004 - Rev. Earl Hunter, Coeur d'Alene. For his efforts to provide spiritual guidance and services to local veterans. He is a retired minister and is the chaplain for the DAV and a legion post. As such, he officiates at many veterans funerals, visits vets in the hospital and also provides counseling to vets. 

February 17, 2004 - Vietnam veterans Boyd Nelson, Jerome, and Lloyd Dewitt, Kimberly. For their efforts to return American dog tags found in Vietnam to Vietnam veterans or their families. Through zip code searches, scouring the white pages, and numerous phone calls, a group of veterans have successfully reunited over 650 tags with their owners since 1998. The group has set up a website to assist in the search. In addition Nelson, Dewitt, and their families return to Vietnam every year to assist in numerous projects including: building a kindergarten, providing scholarships, toys, and food to poor families, giving bicycles to families without transportation, and funding a medical clinic for the children. 

February 17, 2004 - Jacquie Law, Eden. For her efforts to assist underprivileged children around the world. As a junior at Valley High School , she created Project Kids 2 Kids, which provided canned foods, nonperishable food items, toiletries, books, fairly new toys, bedding clothes, shoes, and money to individuals around the world. The donations totaled: approximately $300, 1000 articles of clothing, 40 pieces of bedding, 150 cans of food, 2 boxes full of nonperishable food items, 150 toys, 40 toiletries, and 30 pairs of shoes. The donation s were distributed through the Port of Hope, Salvation Army, Valley House, Community Action, Safe Harbor and St. Edwards. 

February 17, 2004 - Ray Gill, Buhl. For his efforts to assist a local pet owner whose two dogs had fallen through a partially frozen lake one afternoon in early January. Ray helped the owner pull the dogs to safety. 

March 18, 2004 - Judy Nixon, Coeur d'Alene. For her efforts to assist cancer patients in north Idaho. She has coordinated Reach to Recovery for the American Cancer Society for ten northern Idaho counties for a number of years, training breast cancer survivors to become Reach to Recovery volunteers in their communities.  She was also instrumental in organizing the first Race for the Cure in Coeur d'Alene, which now provides over $100,000 dollars to local health programs for prevention and early diagnosis efforts to underinsured individuals.

April 13, 2004 - Donnalee Velvick, Marsing. Awarded for her efforts to assist needy children in Idaho through Hope House.

May 24, 2004 - Volunteers from Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 296, and Reverend Bill Roscoe, Boise Rescue Mission, Boise. Awarded for their efforts to assist the City of Light Shelter to increase beds available for women and children.

August 16, 2004 - Dana Hughes, Whitney Crapo, and Susie Lage, Whitney. For their lifesaving efforts and quick action. On May 20, 2004, they administered CPR to 11-year-old Ashley Siddoway, who was struck by lightning in Teton, and brought her back to life.

August 18, 2004 - Scouts and leaders of Eagle Boy Scout Troop 321-Brent Tafoya, Jared Bartschi, Brandon McKell, Hunter Armstrong, Houston Armstrong, Cory Wolff, Matthew Stocking, Jeremy Southworth, Gunnar Christensen; Leaders include Robert Southworth, Jim Enzler, Kyle Christensen, Pat Palmer, Jeff Lamm, Mike Palmer, and Scoutmaster Darren Leavitt, Boise. During a troop hike up Mount Borah, the group assisted an injured hiker, Merle Thomsen of Los Angeles, California, who had fallen behind his group and was left behind. The Scouts and leaders carried the hiker on a stretcher for nearly three hours down Mount Borah despite having hiked to the top of Idaho's tallest peak earlier that day.

August 19, 2004 - Cary and Cherie Hamilton, Rupert. Provided assistance with domestic violence shelter. After learning through news reports that domestic violence victims in Heyburn had to travel to Twin Falls or as far as Pocatello or Blackfoot for shelter due to the poor condition and limited space at the Mini-Cassia Shelter for Women and Children. Hamilton who manages Home Sweet Homes in Heyburn, sold a house at cost to the organization. He is also encouraged local businesses to donate additional equipment and necessities to keep the shelter operable.

October 26, 2004 - Trevor Barrett, Twin Falls. For his efforts in forming a Dare To Care group to assist families of deployed troops.

October 26, 2004 - Stevens Pierce & Associates, Twin Falls. The CPA firm collected more than 5,000 hats in coordination with the Hats from Home campaign. The Hats from Home effort seeks the donation of local baseball-style caps for use by military members stationed overseas to wear on their days off.

October 26, 2004 - Sharla Dunn and Sharon Gentert, Jerome. For their long-standing efforts to assist soldiers and their families in need by offering prayers to babysitting services. Through the Magic Valley Military Support Group, they and others in their group meetsregularly at the Jerome Public Library to plan how to offer services and has been involved in distributing decals for a local yellow ribbon campaign to support the troops. 

November 5, 2004 - Kaye O'Riordan, Boise. For her work with the American Lung Association.

February 18, 2003 - John Jackson. For his donation of $250,000 to build a new track at the Idaho Center indoor sports complex. The track will be the only one west of Lincoln, Nebraska, qualified to host nationally-sanctioned indoor track & field events.
	February 20, 2003 - Wiley Dobbs,Twin Falls. Dobbs, the Twin Falls School District Director of Operations, has served for many years as an Idaho Congressional Award Board Member. He has spent thousands of hours working with students as their advisor, making presentations to different groups and talking to parents.
	February 20, 2003 - Jessy Peterson,Castleford. 16-year-old Peterson of Castleford saved a man’s life in December 2002. After spotting a fire in close proximity to a house, he knocked on the windows of the home until he awoke the occupant, Rob Petter, who was then able to escape. Peterson then helped Petter put out the blaze, which was burning in the garage.
April 22, 2003 - Bob Harmon, Boise. For his efforts to assist the family of a serviceman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
April 22, 2003 - Peregrine Elementary School, Eagle. For their efforts to collect donations for the Red Cross in the "Your Coins Count" campaign.
May 2, 2003 - Scott Andrews, Bingham County Prosecutor, Blackfoot. For his innovative efforts to set up a family law website.
May 3, 2003 - Taylor and Alyssa Jenson, Pocatello. Four-year-old Alyssa donated 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love, which makes wigs for cancer patients.
May 31, 2003 - Jared Helm, Lewiston. For his volunteer work with youth in the Lewiston area.
	June 21, 2003 - "Grandma" Gay Reese, Filer. For her contributions in promoting literacy through the “America Reads” program at Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls , where she works every day as a reading volunteer with elementary school students.
August 11, 2003 - Volunteers with the Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls. Each of those honored have provided at least 100 hours of service to those who come to the Hospice and their families. Donna Stone. A Hospice volunteer for three years, who provided 195 volunteer hours for just one patient in 2002, consistently showing up twice a week to give respite care for the patient’s husband for two to three hours at a time. Debbie and Buck Horton. Since becoming volunteers in the spring of 2003, Buck and Debbie (who are both retired) have each worked almost 200 volunteer hours for many different families under the care of Hospice. Larry and Evelyn Miller. Missionaries who are assigned to Hospice of Eastern Idaho by the LDS Church. They serve as volunteer spiritual liaisons for our patients and families, but also are available to give famiilies respite care when needed. They served in a non-denominational capacity with no proselytizing. Through their Volunteer Training, which was from October 2002 through May of 2003, this year, they have worked 262 volunteer hours. Donna Meyer. A Hospice volunteer since 1994, she has put in over a 100 hours helping our patients. Since last year (2002), she has been visiting and reading to one particular patient who does not speak. Dorothy Wayne. A volunteer since 1989, she has given over 100 hours to a variety of patients. She has traveled extra miles to stay with patients when necessary, often during the evening hours or even on weekends when needed. She is a retired nurse. Fern Jones. Volunteered for hospice for ten years while continuing to work full time, she has spent over a 100 hours visiting patients during her lunch hour, after work, or on weekends when necessary. Bob Siedelmann. A Hospice volunteer since 1999, beginning just one year after his wife died and he learned about Hospice, he is always willing to stay with a patient, even if he has to change his plans to make the time work. Vince Aquino. A volunteer since 1999, he has always been willing to visit with any patient, even if that patient did not know he was there and could not communicate with him. He has spent many hours in the secure units of more than one nursing home to be with patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Connie Staffel. A professional counselor who who became a volunteer in October 2002. She has been giving her volunteer hours on Saturdays to facilitate a support group for grieving family members. Leora Cornia. A volunteer first with District 7 and now with Hospice of Eastern Idaho, she has given 100 hours to a variety of patients. She prefers being able to converse with patients, but is willing to give of her time to any and all who need her. Jim McCue. A volunteer who also began with District 7 and now works with Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Jim has spent countless volunteer hours listening intently to his patients. He prefers to report on his visits in poetic form. Barry Leech, Chester. The only volunteer close enough to be of assistance to patients in the St. Anthony/Rexburg area. His volunteer hours also include coming to town to help in the Hospice office with clerical jobs.
August 12, 2003 - Family Services Alliance of Southeastern Idaho, Pocatello. For its efforts to assist victims of family and domestic violence and sexual abuse.
August 18, 2003 - North Idaho Dialysis patients, Coeur d'Alene. For their efforts and example to remain healthy through exercise.
August 21, 2003 - Jenny Busdon, Hailey. Busdon is a world champion gold medal recipient in cross country skiing, and worked on multiple fundraising projects over the past decade to benefit the Harriman Trail system and Galena Lodge in Sun Valley. She promotes increased participation in the sport of cross country skiing and overall awareness of the sport.
August 21, 2003 - Carol Harlig, Ketchum. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Harlig mentors others with the disease and serves on numerous community boards for breast cancer awareness, as well as the Ketchum library. She also mentors at-risk elementary school children.

January 14, 2002 -Red Cross volunteers,Lewiston area. For services rendered following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

January 14, 2002 - Dan O'Brien, Moscow. For his hard work and dedication to youth sports in the community. O'Brien was also awarded the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Hero Award.

January 15, 2002 - Cynthia Schultz,Rathdrum, and Richard Cripe, Coeur d'Alene. For volunteer services rendered through the American Red Cross following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

January 16, 2002 - Red Cross volunteers,Boise area. For services rendered following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 

January 16, 2002 - Peregrine Elementary School, Meridian. Students at Peregrine Elementary were chosen by the Red Cross as winners of the “Your Coins Count” statewide campaign.

March 29, 2002 - FBI Child Pornography Unit, Pocatello. For its innovative efforts to combat child pornography on the Internet.

April 1, 2002 -Angie and Azad Abdullah, Boise. For their work in sensitivity training for Boise airport police officers.

Senator Mike Crapo issued the following statement regarding Angie's death in a house fire on Saturday, October 5, 2002:

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of Angie’s death. She was a valuable member of the community, one who exhibited generosity of spirit and mind. Her calming influence and understanding have benefited the state of Idaho in untold ways. It was an honor to meet her and to present her with the Spirit of Idaho award, and I am deeply saddened that her life has been cut short by this tragic circumstance. We will do honor to her memory as we strive to uphold the principles that she shared so readily with those around her—those of tolerance, understanding, and kindness.”

April 1, 2002 -Moscrip Family and Bandana's Running and Walking Shop,New Plymouth. For their efforts to provide affordable running shoes to local youth involved in the cross country and track programs at the New Plymouth High School. 

September 28, 2002 - Ana Maria Schachtell, Nampa. For her service in organizing the Fiesta Idaho events in Nampa and the Treasure Valley. Under Schachtell's leadership and vision the annual Fiesta Idaho celebration has blossomed into a major event celebrated each fall in several locations in and around Nampa. "Ana's commitment is what makes the people of Idaho so wonderful; she is part of Idaho's spirit," Crapo said in preparing a videotaped presentation, which will be shown tonight during the Fiesta. Crapo also congratulated Ana for her work as President of the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho (HCCI).

November 6, 2002 - Jim Olson, Emmett, and George Gorino, Emmett. For their efforts through American Legion Post #49 to construct a a flag memorial on Freezeout Hill in Gem County. The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2002.

February 20, 2001 - Barbara Dehl, Nampa. For her efforts regarding teen dating violence awareness and prevention. She was instrumental in the creation of an Idaho law and a federal law that protects individuals who are victims of domestic violence through dating relationships.

February 21, 2001 - Jackie Phelps, Boise. For her efforts as a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program.

February 21, 2001 - Dan Prinzing, Boise. For his efforts to promote civic education in Idaho high schools through the We The People program.

February 21, 2001 - Idaho Working Partners, Boise. For its efforts to assist families in Ada County.

February 21, 2001 - Eagle High School students, Eagle. for two projects--WWII Fund Drive and the Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive, Boise.

July 31, 2001 - Kyle Enzler, Eagle. For his effort to raise public awareness for needy children worldwide. Kyle formed Trek For Kids and rode his bicycle cross-country in a fund-raising publicity effort.

August 16, 2001 - Sherrill and James Cooper, Lewiston. For their efforts regarding adopted children.

August 28, 2001 - Blaine County Senior Citizens. For efforts to assist a local pre-school program operated through the Blaine County School District.

August 29, 2001 - Pete Mecham, Idaho Falls. For his academic, athletic and community service accomplishments. He is also one of 25 recipients nationwide of the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year Award (SAMMY), chosen from a field of more than 19,000 students.

August 30, 2001 - Heritage Safe Company, Grace. For its economic development efforts in Caribou County. 

August 30, 2001 - Jensen Lumber Company, Montpelier. For its economic development efforts in Bear Lake County.

August 30, 2001 - Rosa Moosman, Montpelier. For her longevity in providing a news source to her community through the local weekly newspaper, The News Examiner.

August 30, 2001 - Jay Heusser, Preston. For his efforts to improve economic opportunities and development in his hometown.

August 30, 2001 - Pam Davison, Pocatello. For her work with area seniors and grant programs to provide home improvement and repair assistance.

October 10, 2001 - Richard Kaylor, Boise, and Mary Wolf, Idaho Falls. For services rendered as American Red Cross volunteers in Washington, D.C. following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

November 20, 2001 - Red Cross volunteers, Idaho Falls area. For services rendered following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

November 20, 2001 - Red Cross volunteers, Blackfoot area. For services rendered following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

November 20, 2001 - Red Cross volunteers, Pocatello area. For services rendered following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

November 20, 2001 - Mark Langlois, Robert Macfarlane, James Pollard, and David Larson. INEEL engineers who assisted recovery efforts in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

November 3, 2000: Alex Phelps, Jay Phelps and Kamrud Jacobson, Twin Falls. All three young men were newspaper carriers with The Times-News who provided quick assistance upon encountering a problem on their respective routes. Alex and Jay helped get medical assistance to an elderly woman who had not collected her daily newspaper. She had suffered a stroke and was unable to obtain help. On his paper route, Kamrud noticed smoke coming out of a vacant house and called firefighters, who prevented the house from burning down.

November 18, 2000: Winter Rec Coalition, Sun Valley. For efforts to create a collaborative approach for winter recreationists to work together.