AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The West Plains Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Nov. 5, recognized local individuals and businesses for their efforts during a gala celebration at Northern Quest Resort and Casino.
A trio of military awards went to members of Fairchild Air Force Base, as Master Sgt. Jeffrey Crider from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Tech. Sgt. Emily Hanson with the 141st Air Refueling Wing National Guard, and Tech. Sgt. Eric McNair from the 336th Training Group were all recognized for meritorious service.
Two teachers received Educator of the Year awards.
Candace Robillard won the award for Educator of the Year in Medical Lake School District, and Medical Lake Middle School Principal Matt Ziegenfuss said “Candace is a mentor to new teachers. She regularly provides professional development to staff pertaining to the topics of inclusion, co-teaching, managing student behavior, and understanding student behavior. She exhibits teaching practices that reflect her belief that all students can learn if there are high expectations, a physically and emotionally safe learning environment, and individualized supports. She is a strong collaborator and is a team player. Her growth mindset combined with a positive attitude make her a leader and highly effective teacher.”
Heidi Hoblin took home the Educator of the Year Award for Cheney School District because of a steadfast positive attitude she kept through the pandemic among other changes she faced as an educator. During the onset of the pandemic, “Heidi was transitioned from an instructional coaching position back into the classroom to teach a group of kindergartners in another building,” as described in her nomination letter. She then had to work through that and transition into another position in which she works as a math interventionist assisting students of all grade levels, and currently holds this title.
Multiple businesses were awarded as well for showing innovative ways to overcome challenges faced since COVID surfaced.
The Cheney Business of the Year award was given West Plains Roasters, a “fiercely dedicated to community over competition and working together with local businesses to support each other,” West Plains Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Losh said.
The Medical Lake Business of the Year went to Roam Roasters for the dedication and service it provides in keeping the walking trails and parks clean, along with other examples of community involvement.
Sala Thai Restaurant remained open through the pandemic and won the Airway Heights Business of the Year award because of the restaurant’s resilience and dedication to military and first responders, Losh said.
The Save Our Station-Cheney depot took home the Non-Profit of the year award for its work in preserving and relocating the unique 1929 Spanish-style Northern Pacific Railroad depot.
The depot was previously set for demolition, since it was located between two Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines.
Awards were also specified to individuals in recognition of the individual efforts they have put forth.
Hero of the Year
The West Plains Hero of the Year award went to Airway Heights police officer Brad-Lee King for his work to save a child from human trafficking.
Documents show King responded to a report of child exploitation happening online in which the suspect was manipulating the victim from the Republic of India.
The victim’s mother informed King a third party was involved, and through investigations he found the third party to be in Hoquiam.
King joined forces with Hoqiuam police, the FBI, and Detective Justice to find and arrest the third-party organizer and help identify and assist other potential victims documents show.
The suspect based in the Republic of India was arrested, there, and brought to justice through their own judicial system effectively dismantling the trafficking ring.
Farm Salvation of Medical Lake owner Gerri Johnson said she was shocked to learn that she won the Lifetime Achievement award.
She has been an extremely active advocate for supporting small businesses and her volunteer efforts with Re*Imagine Medical Lake, Losh said.
“My door is always open,” Johnson said. “And I strive to serve every customer because I want to see our community succeed.”
Reporter Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com
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