Southwestern Oregon Community College named its first Leonard C. Farr Community Service Award recipient this year.

John Thomas, a Southwestern business student, was the man in the spotlight. Instructor Robin Bunnell nominated Thomas for his service in the community. He performs as a member of the Young Bucs, a musical group that performs at various venues and has raised money to benefit Little Theatre on the Bay. The group performs at local senior centers at no cost.

The college created the award to honor the late Leonard Farr, a prominent and active member of the community, who died unexpectedly this year.

Southwestern President Judith Hansen delivered the welcome message to attendees at the annual awards event and Bruce Locker, instructional leader and business professor, emceed the ceremony. Foundation Executive Director Marie Simonds presented all scholarship awards. Mike Turner, associate professor of music, and the Southwestern Chamber Choir, under the direction of Ida Jo Gates, supplied musical entertainment prior to the ceremony while Student Support Services personnel provided refreshments for all in attendance.

Other award winners

Jessica Allen, Zachary Bennett, Samuel Benson, Anthony Bixler, Garrett Bogs, Renee Browne, Amy Katrina Bryan, Adam Celoni, Tyrel Dawley, Clif deRoss, Meaghn Dimler, Dustin Down, Ashley Eubank, Dalicia Fennell, Megan Franko, Kathie Garnett, Alecia Gatlin, John Gazley, Katey Gerlach, Levi Goodman, Amy Green, Melissa Grimes, Kelley Hamilton, Nichole Hines, Justin Hollingshead, Tina Horst, Lori Johansson, Andrew Jones, Jeffrey Keeley, Sean Kelly, Pico Hau-Yan Lam, Jenny Landman, Kathleen Luce, Heidi Mallatt, Shawn March, Justin McFadden, Nicolas McGuffin, Thomas Moriarty, Jennifer Muchmore, Tara Neely, Ashley Newcomer, Fuyuka Otake, Elizabeth Palmer, Cynthia Passmore, Fernando Pedraza, Justine Piper, Christopher Randolph, Andy Reiss, Annie Roman, Tasha Sawall, Michael Scott, Vivian Scott, Ann Settle, Dominic Shreckengost, Brenda Siller, Bill Slack, Ryan Spencer, John Sutton, Lindsey Swing, Jenny Tausch, Samantha Thompson, Laura Vincent, Christine Wade, Phil Walsh, Bobby Watkins, Colin Welch, Sherri Winn, and Stacy Woytus.