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Wysong named Citizen of the Year
Each year, the Nevada Rotary Club bestows on one of Vernon County's own an honor recognizing that individual's dedication, care and commitment to the community.
It's the Citizen of the Year Award, and, in the words of Kendall Vickers, who shared last year's award with Tom Hissink, it's an honor based on the person's track record in community service for the previous five years, but is mostly based on the current year's "service above self." It recognizes civic-mindedness and community responsibility, and nominations are accepted from the community at large, civic groups and other organizations. A long-standing tradition, the Citizen of the Year Award has been presented annually since 1942, when the first such honor went to J.H. Bean.
This year's Citizen of the Year is Kathi Wysong, director of the Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce. Stunned and overcome with emotion, a tearful Wysong accepted the award with a few brief words that expressed appreciation of the honor and called attention to the accomplishments of others in attendance -- an act many noted is typical of Wysong's personna.
Several community leaders and friends of Wysong spoke in her honor during the brief presentation ceremony at the Nevada Country Club on Thursday.
"There are many traditions that go along with this," Vickers said. One of them is to invite the minister or leader of the recipient's church to speak, he said, by way of introducing The Very Rev. Mimi Savidge, rector of the All Saint's Episcopal Church in Nevada, where Wysong takes an active role in worship and church activities.
Wysong serves by reading lessons from time to time, performs the duties of serving the chalice to members and delivers the Eucharist to those too ill or otherwise unable to make it to the church to take part. She has also helped with a memorial garden connected to the church and has assisted with many other projects, Savidge said.
Tim Moore, former president of the chamber of commerce, said, "I can't think of a better person to receive this award."
He noted that as chamber director, she constantly advocates growth and longevity of business, giving "110 percent, all the time."
But beyond that, she's a friend in time of need as well, he said.
In November, a fire damaged the Moore's home, making it unlivable. Wysong, Moore said, was the first to arrive, dressed in work clothes and armed with boxes and a truck for cleaning up, plus a list of rental homes and other resources.
"She does so much more than her job description … she's an inspiration to us all," Moore said.
Peggy Tedlock, who has worked with Wysong on many projects over the years, offered the tearful Wysong some tissues -- which were to come in handy for Wysong during the following few moments as Tedlock and others continued to speak in honor of her accomplishments and dedication.
The crowd nodded its collective approval as Tedlock read aloud a poem for Wysong, penned by Tedlock during the early morning hours of Thursday morning.
"Today is your day, Kathi, for all that you have done.
I know this came as a big surprise, but boy, this is fun.
I congratulate you for being chosen Rotary's Citizen of the Year, and knowing you the way I do I know you will shed a tear.
Your have made an impact on Nevada by all the things you do,
And all the hardwork you've done has helped the community through and through.
Your tireless energy and great big smile,
Never stop as you go that extra mile.
Through the years we've worked together, I've learned so much each day.
Your caring heart and loving hugs and you always know what to say.
I've tried to think of stories to share on your special day.
But on second thought there are some things I really shouldn't say.
Memories are created by the special things you share and Vernon County is better because of your tender loving care."