Idaho Hometown Hero honors local youth

Nine individuals across the state were honored this weekend for the fourth, annual Idaho Hometown Hero award, but this year the group’s board members slightly shifted their focus.

“We’re seeing so much amazing work come from the youth and the whole idea was to bring that to light,” Idaho Hometown Hero co-founding member Dr. Fahim Rahim said. “You don’t have to have a lot of money or be older to be a hero or to make a difference in someone’s life. The whole idea is to inspire others to start at any age or any time in life.”

Four years into the tradition of honoring people from across the state who are making strides toward creating a better community to live and thrive within, this year people from every age category were recognized.

Some, folks had already familiarized themselves with their stories such as Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede of Pocatello who we covered back in June.

Here is a link to Krumwiede’s story:http://www.localnews8.com/news/local-soldiers-road-to-recovery-after-hit-with-ied/26468252

His parents Dennis and Pam were present to accept Krumwiede’s award on his behalf.

Others were still making their way to the frontlines such as local Pocatello teen Sarah Hibbert, 17, who raised over 4,500 pounds of shoes in 2013 that she donated to Shoes for Love, an Idaho Falls-based non-profit organization who sends shoes to those in need.

“It feels good to know that I made a difference, but to also hear these other medalists’ stories is neat to know there are these kind people within the community,” Hibbert said. “That is one of the things I love about Idaho and this area: this community is amazing and you can travel anywhere and meet people who are trying to make a difference.”

11-year old Alec Carlson was the youngest winner who has become his blind mother’s watchful eyes after losing his father.

Both Carlson and his mother accepted the award, drawing tears and cheers from the audience.

15-year old Adalaide Mayer was the third youngster to take the stage on Saturday evening, after being nominated for her exemplary volunteer work while still helping her father who is battling PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and bi-lateral hearing loss, among others.

Other winners include: Dr. Lloyd Call, Lin Carlson, George Nickel, Ann Toomey Walsh, and Helen Wayman Ward.

To learn more about the Idaho Hometown Hero organization, you can visit their website here:http://idahohometownhero.org/