Seven Michigan residents were honored with the Everyday Hero Award at the recent annual “Night of Heroes” event held in Warren.
The awards were presented by Winning Futures, a nonprofit that offers a school-based mentoring programs and workshops for middle school and high school students in Southeast Michigan. The awards celebrate the lives of everyday people in the workplace who, through extraordinary commitment, courage, compassion, and integrity are changing lives and inspiring others.
Three heroes were selected through a student essay contest where students shared compelling and personal arguments as to why their nominee should be honored. The other four heroes were nominated by tri-county area business members.
The 2015 RARE Everyday Heroes are:
· Ronald Goodnoe, owner of Rapids Tool and Engineering, Eaton Rapids.
o Goodnoe has spent his life in service to others. His service as a volunteer firefighter and dedication to provide a fair work environment at Rapids Tool and Engineering are just a few examples that show his passion to make his community a better and safer place.
· Alma Guajardo-Crossley, corporate director of diversity and inclusion, General Motors Co., Plymouth.
o Guajardo-Crossley has a dedication to serve the community and is always investing in the development of other people. She prioritizes mentoring in the midst of a very busy schedule and sits on several boards, including, the National Council of La Raza, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Hispanic Women’s Corp., and others.
· Dina Rabaa, relationship coordinator, Metropolitan Capital, Dearborn Heights.
o Rabaa has a commitment to serve others and promote positive change in the world. She was nominated by her younger sister as a RARE Everyday Hero.
· Amanda Rymiszewski, marketing manager, O’Keefe, Sterling Heights.
o Rymiszewski is known at work for her charitable work at a variety of organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Winning Futures, Detroit Rescue Mission, St. Jude’s Hospital, and others.
· Kevin Sutton, partner and attorney, Lusk & Albertson, Livonia.
o Whether providing legal counsel to schools, mentoring young people, or working to enhance academic programs, Sutton has distinguished himself as an advocate for those in need.
Daniel Wesner, owner, Wesner Tuxedo, Sterling Heights.
o Whether Wesner is provide free tuxedo rentals to students in need or servicing youth from in Macomb County in the Sterling Heights Football Club, it is Wesner’s desire to make the world a better place through genuine acts of kindness.
· Judith Zimpfer, retired teacher, Alba Public Schools.
o After nearly 35 years of teaching, Zimpfer supports the youth in her community. She donates her time advising for the Grand Traverse District Council, running a latch key program at a local church, and other youth centered programs.
The three students whose Hero was honored at the event each received a $2,500 scholarship. More than 350 scholarship essays were submitted; all recipients will attend Michigan colleges. The scholarship recipients are:
· Sydney Hogerheide, Alba Public Schools, North Central Michigan University
· Nadine Rabaa, Star International Academy, University of Michigan Dearborn
· Ethan Thuma, Charlotte High School, Western Michigan University
