2013 Jefferson Awards For Public Service

For the 9th consecutive year KCWY-TV News 13 and our Community Partners Hilltop National Bank, Serve Wyoming, and Mountain View Regional Hospital and Clinic are proud to present the Jefferson Awards for Public Service. The Jefferson Awards were created in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Robert Taft, Jr., to honor and reward community volunteers and to promote an increase in community volunteer efforts. In December 2012, we began asking our viewers to nominate people who exemplify the finest in community volunteer efforts. This year we have received many outstanding nominations from throughout the state and we congratulate each and every nominee! A panel of five judges independently scored each of the nominations, and four individuals were chosen to receive the coveted Jefferson Award Medallion. The profiles of the four Wyoming winners were then sent to the national headquarters of the Jefferson Awards in Delaware, where one was chosen to represent the state of Wyoming during a special Congressional reception to be held in our nation’s capitol in June. This representative and their guest will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the events. We honored the four Wyoming winners and all of this year’s nominees, as well as their nominators, during a private luncheon ceremony in Casper on April 8th, 2013, where this years’ Jefferson Award Wyoming State Representative was announced.

The 2013 Jefferson Award Wyoming Representatives are:

Jerry and Joyce Ostrom of Powell

Jerry and Joyce founded “Dano Camp” in memory of their son, Dan. Over the past 17 years 450 youth have been to experience physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth through forty-five “mini” wilderness survival camps. Following one and two day trainings, the campers embark on an eight day backpacking trip in the wilderness. Working with a Board of Directors, they provide training for 30 volunteer camp leaders and the logistics of planning and conducting five events and camps annually. Joyce also spent 50 years as a 4-H leader and also as a county and state officer for the 4-H council. In the past she was one of the organizers and an officer of Future Farmers of American parent group. Jerry has spent 40 years as a 4-H leader and has also been a hunter safety leader. He has volunteered for 10 years as a driver taking Disabled American Vets to medical appointments. Jerry received a US Secret Service Certificate of Appreciation for contributions and in 2008 he received a Certificate of Appreciation from Vice President Dick Cheney for assisting with training of the troops in mule packing in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jerry coached Little League baseball while Joyce was chairman of the scorekeepers. Jerry also plays in two bands for nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living homes.

The Other 2013 Wyoming Jefferson Awards Winners are:

R. Stanley Lowe of Casper

Stan’s story starts 70 years ago at age 19. He answered a call to serve in the United States Merchant Marines during WWII. After his discharge, Stan dedicated his life to giving back to our country and those who gave so much to protect our freedoms. Stan became a highly recognized attorney in Wyoming and served in our Wyoming Legislature in the 1960s. He was appointed by Governors to the Wyoming Veteran’s Affairs Commission, which he served for 14 years and has served on several National Veterans Boards. For 14 years, he hosted the USS Wyoming ship’s annual reunion. He was one of the original organizers for the Wyoming Honor Flights to take our WWII Veterans back to Washington D.C. Stan is still involved with every VFW and American Legion Post in the state. Stan’s dedication to events for deploying and returning Vets has been unwavering and attends them all. He attends every Memorial Day and Flag Day ceremony and “Never Forgets Those Who Served”. The U.S. Flag and the Pledge Allegiance are more than just symbols to Stan-they are his “Badge of Honor”. In January, Stan was honored by the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee with the establishment of the American Legion Post 2 Stan Lowe Scholarship at Casper College to benefit student veteran and military family member.

Rose Alice Peterson of Casper

Alice has spent her lifetime in helping out, whether it was as a room mother for grade school, 4-H leader, or baking and cooking for church and Boy Scout fund raisers. In the mid-1970’s she had a pace maker put in but refused to slow down. She is now on pace maker number four. In the 1980s, Alice went to work for the Wyoming School for the Deaf as a teacher’s aide helping hearing impaired grade school children learn to communicate with sign language. She would work before school and late into the evening practicing signing and working on papers. For close to 30 years she has made “Hug a Bears” handmade teddy bears. These Hug a Bears were given to police officers to have to giver to young children. She has been making 175-200 bears a year. Other community involvement includes monthly buying and giving of clothes and basic need items to the Health Care for the Homeless Clinic at her own expense. She has been with the Mended Hearts support group, as well as many others for years.

Helen Potts of Riverton

At 101 years of age, Helen is involved in virtually every aspect of the community. Shortly after her arrival she showed up to help with our Main Street Reconstruction celebration, handing out hamburgers and introducing herself. In 2008, and again in 2010, she volunteered on the committee to pass an athletic field bond issue for School District #25/ Riverton. During the second election Helen walked Federal Boulevard entering every business passing out posters supporting the bond issue and encouraging people to vote for it. Helen has taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and volunteered at local schools. At her apartment complex, Helen started a recycling program. Helen is also a member of two book clubs. Helen plants flowers every June for the United Methodist Church and helps with Mission work on the Wind River Reservation. And yet her greatest contribution to all in Riverton is her spirit at age 101. Most of us won’t live to that age, but all of us can learn from Helen Potts how to age gracefully while being an active member.

Congratulations to all of the 2013 Jefferson Awards Nominees and Winners!

KCWY News 13 wishes to thank our Community Partners: Hilltop National Bank, Serve Wyoming and Mountain View Regional Hospital and Clinic . . . Together, Making a Difference.