Distinguished Service Alma Award - Junior First Citizen

There will be a benefit dinner in honor of the honorees in a month.

My letter, the flowers and balloon.

I don’t usually post things like this, but I wanted to share something that honestly means a lot to me.

I was honored to receive the Distinguished Service Alma Award, also known as the Junior First Citizen award, from the Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce.

This award is given to someone who has shown ongoing service to the community, often behind the scenes, and without expectation of recognition. That part matters to me.

A big part of what I was recognized for is my cemetery restoration and preservation work. Caring for headstones, protecting history, and honoring the people and families who came before us. I was also recognized for other community work I’ve been involved in over the years.

I am deeply grateful to the cemeteries and families who have trusted me with their loved ones monuments and stories, and to the students and volunteers who have worked alongside me and learned this craft with so much care and respect.

I’m humbled. I’m honored. And I will keep doing the work.