The Rotary Club of Juneau presented Allen Marine, Summer Theater Rendezvous, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Dr. Bob Urata and Justin Sleppy with Vocational Service Awards on Oct. 25.
Nominated both by club members and the community, the following five businesses, organizations and individuals were recognized for exemplifying Rotary’s motto of “Service above Self.”
• Allen Marine won for its business ethics and for the extension of its resources in service to others. In a press release, the Rotary Club of Juneau said Allen Marine has donated wildlife excursions to nonprofit organizations for fund-raising opportunities.
In addition, Allen Marine vessels have been used in cases of national and international disaster, such as the 2011 Japanese tsunami cleanup and the 2009 rescue on the Hudson River after the crash of Flight 1549.
Summer Theatre Arts Rendezvous won for making a difference in the lives of youth as they prepare to take their place in the community. STAR, a program of Perseverance Theatre, is a five-week experience geared to youth ages 10-18.
The program’s effectiveness was recognized in 2002 by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of 16 “outstanding American arts programs for young people.”
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation won for the work of its staff and the commitment, dedication and patience required to serve clients and those who employ them. The Rotary Club of Juneau said through DVR’s efforts people with challenges have an opportunity to contribute and to make a difference, while building self-esteem in the process
Dr. Bob Urata won for his diverse contributions to the community’s quality of life. As a family practice physician at Valley Medical Care, the Juneau Rotary Club said Urata has gone beyond his daily practice to serve his patients and his community. Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for change, volunteering his time to serve on boards and commissions as well as educate and work with legislative leaders to effect improvements in health care delivery. Rotary also cited Urata’s commitment to Hospice and Home care. He also serves as a manager for the Gastineau Channel Little League and is chairman of the Perseverance Theatre Board.
Justin Sleppy, a Thunder Mountain High School junior, was honored for being a “young person who makes a difference,” according to the Rotary club. Sleppy is a student-athlete, musician and national honors student. He is also active in student government and is a student representative to the school board. A Sources of Strength program peer leader at Thunder Mountain, Sleppy is also active in “Lead on! For Peace and Equality in Alaska,” a statewide student program sponsored by the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. In this role he helped to produce an award-winning video to promote healthy lifestyles and relationships.
This was the first year Juneau Rotary made an award for youth service.
“This recognition is long overdue,” Rotary Club of Juneau President John Blasco said. “Our youth are our future leaders. By recognizing them now, we acknowledge that the future in their hands is bright. Justin Sleppy is an outstanding example of the hope we all have for tomorrow’s leaders.”
