Five people who are making a difference in their communities were recognized during the annual Hometown Heroes celebration Monday, Nov. 7. Honorees were nominated and selected by members of the freshman class. Details...
For the twelfth year, the freshman class honored five people who are making an extraordinary difference by touching lives and strengthening their home communities. These community heroes were nominated by members of the Class of 2008 through their Elon 101 classes and selected by the Freshman Class Officers.
This year’s honorees were recognized during a ceremony in McKinnon Hall featuring music from Anna Kimmel and Rufus Fish, both members of the Class of 2009. Freshman class secretary Danielle Durst delivered a reading about leadership. Freshman class vice president Sarah Healey gave closing remarks before a benediction by freshman class senator Katie Bigarel.
Michael Teem, one of this year’s honorees, was proud to have been nominated for the award by his daughter, Rachel, and encouraged the audience to follow the example of this year’s Hometown Heroes.
“I really challenge you to look beyond who you are, and find the place you can make your special mark,” Teem said.
Read more about this year’s Hometown Heroes:
Tim Hoppey from Shoreham, NY, who was nominated by Robert Hoppey. A firefighter with the New York Fire Department stationed in Harlem, Hoppey is the author “Tito the Firefighter,” inspired by his work with Hispanic youths in the neighborhood served by his fire company. Hoppey’s company was one of many that responded to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
George Mealer from El Progreso, Honduras, who was nominated by Jordan Cobb. After retirement, Mealer returned to his native Honduras and established a non-profit organization, ProNiños, a rehabilitation center for street children addicted to inhalants. The center provides a safe haven, detox program and job training.
Michael Teem from Wake Forest, NC, who was nominated by Rachel Teem. A 23-year veteran of the Raleigh Police Department, Teem has led the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for 17 years. He currently serves as chairman of the International Torch Run Executive Council.
Mariliana Morales from San Jose, Costa Rica, nominated by Kristen Rice. Morales founded Rahab Foundation for prostitutes in San Jose, helping them exit the vicious cycle of prostitution. The foundation also offers basic education classes, Bible study, group and individual counseling as well as child care.
Stan Wiebe from Raleigh, NC, nominated by Zachary Smith. Wiebe directs “Building Together Ministries,” a store that sells donated clothes, furniture and toys to low-income families. Partial proceeds are used to support a children’s home, schools, churches and a small crafts industry in Haiti.
The event was sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.