2023 Jonesville Citizens of the Year announced
JONESVILLE — The Jonesville City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Ray Leising, Ph.D., and David Pope as the 2023 Jonesville Citizens of the Year and Hayden James and Carson Laney as the 2023 Jonesville Youth Citizens of the Year.
The public is invited to an Awards Reception on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. at The Sauk Theatre to honor the contributions of these outstanding individuals.
Prior to his retirement, Dr. Leising was a long-time science educator at Jonesville Community Schools. He remains active at the schools, assisting with various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects at the elementary school level, and works with middle school students on outdoors and woodworking projects. Leising is a member of the Jonesville Rotary and leads the effort to create wildlife and insect habitat through the development of wildflower gardens and plantings at the Jerry Russell Trail.
Mr. Pope is the owner of Powers Clothing. Along with his leadership of this family-owned centennial business, Pope has served in many capacities on area groups and organizations. These include member of the Jonesville Community School Board, a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout council member, a volunteer firefighter for the Jonesville Fire Department, President and Treasurer of the Jonesville Business Association, a Jonesville Riverfest volunteer, a Hillsdale County Community Foundation board member and president, member and treasurer of the Jonesville Presbyterian Church, and member of the County National Bank Board of Directors.
James and Laney are 2020 graduates of Jonesville High School. James was nominated by a teacher for his character and skills as a leader and role model in athletics and the Jonesville Marching Band. Laney was nominated by the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, in recognition of his leadership on the YOUTH (Youth Opportunities Unlimited Throughout Hillsdale) program, as well as academic and athletic achievements.
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“We were set to recognize these four remarkable individuals in 2020, when the world shut down,” said Citizenship Committee Chair and member of the Jonesville City Council, Andy Penrose. “I couldn’t imagine a better group of citizens to recognize as we resume this important tradition.” The Citizenship Committee will also honor the contributions of former Council member Ron Hayes, who founded the Citizenship Awards.
Tickets for the Awards Reception are available for $5.00 at the Jonesville City Hall. The Jonesville Citizenship Awards act to recognize the contributions of citizens to the Jonesville community based on several aspects including, community involvement, leadership, and volunteerism.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: 2023 Jonesville Citizens of the Year announced
