10 citizens named “Hometown Heroes”
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Randy Smith will keynote the Idaho Hometown Heroes medal ceremony Saturday, September 8 in Pocatello. Smith is a former medal recipient.
Sponsored by the JRM Foundation for Humanity, the Hometown Hero Medal pays tribute to those who show unique characteristics, achievements, and commitment to a better, safer community across the state of Idaho.
This year’s recipients include:
Liyah Babayan of Twin Falls is a refugee from Azerbaijan. She has dedicated her life to influencing and bridging humanity, justice, and compassion between communities with school supplies and clothing for child refugees. Her “street dinner” parities raise awareness and resources to address chronic PTSD in refugees, especially children.
Russell Davies of Chubbuck is President of PTSD Veteran Athletes. He has provided support and service to veterans and to the Veteran Athletes team.
Bowen Toomey of Eagle was born without complete arms or legs. He was given up by his birth mother in Serbia and placed in a government-run orphanage. Toomey was born with limited ability due to pregnancy issues presumably caused by effects of uranium bombs in Serbia. At 11, Bowen taught himself to swim, competed in the Hidden Springs Triathlon running portion and plans to tackle the slopes in an assisted-skiing apparatus.
Alexander Knoll of Post Falls is a 13-year-old app inventor, human rights advocate and international speaker. At the age of 8 he testified before the Idaho Legislature on behalf of school children. At age 10 he won a statewide competition for inventors. His “Ability App” helps people with disabilities navigate public spaces.
Christian Colonel of Pocatello was a former Major League Baseball player. He suffered with alcoholism and after a long struggle accomplished sobriety. Colonel has taken his life’s lessons and turned them into inspiration. Colonel uses and shares his experiences with young high school students to point out the severe impacts of what alcohol abuse and addiction can do.
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Lesli Schei of Chubbuck works with the Parent Teacher Association to serve abused, abandoned, and neglected children in southeast Idaho. Since beginning her work with the 6th Judicial District CASA Program, she has been extensively involved with training and supporting each volunteer the program supports.
Attorney Reginald Reeves of Idaho Falls (a retired Lt. Colonel) is Executive Director of the Sun Valley Charitable Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Idaho Falls. Reeves collects food and other merchandise from businesses and individuals to donate to people in need. Reeves’ objective is to continue serving approximately 800 to 1,000 families and up to 2,000 individuals. Reeves is an avid Pro-Bono advocate for Active Military and Military Veterans and has helped many military men and women through the Veterans Administration System. Personally, he has donated 49 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.
Nicolas Garcia of Pocatello owns Puerto Vallarta in Pocatello and is a member of the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and other community groups. He donates generously to Highland High School Hispanic Awareness Leadership Organization, the Back 2 School fundraiser and Spinderella. A former 15-year police officer and he always helps local law enforcement and sponsors a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community.
Peggy Elliott Goldwyn of Sun Valley is the founder of the Family of Woman Film Festival based in Sun Valley and uses filmmaking as a platform to raise awareness on social issues regarding women and children around the world. Goldwyn began her career writing, directing and producing documentaries for syndicated television then wrote television comedies for many years.
Carrie Madden of Idaho Falls has created a nationwide movement that recognizes the impact of domestic violence. The Madden family lost their daughter, sister and friend to a domestic violence homicide. McKenzie Madden and along with her friend Jonathan Sadler were killed July 14, 2014, by a former boyfriend of McKenzie’s in Logan, Utah. Kenzie was a student at Utah State University working toward a bachelor’s degree in both sociology and psychology with a minor in criminal justice and a certificate in law and society area studies.
The theme of this year’s event is “Lighting the Future.” The 8th annual ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center. The presentation is free and will be followed by a ticketed dinner and gala.
