Man of the Year : John McKay - John McKay is a fierce advocate of all things Morgan Hill , and the driving force behind the Monterey Lane Reduction , Pop-up Park , and Big Blue Chair . “ I have worked side by side with so many great volunteers who feel the same way I do ,” John said . “ We are inspired by a city that holds such great potential and has the dedicated community members to fulfill that potential .” Whether it ’ s the Downtown Businesses , Wineries , Tourism , Restaurants , City Planning and Development , John support them all . A Morgan Hill resident for the past two decades John was appointed in 2011 to the city ’ s planning commission . Seven years later he was elected to the city council . Morgan Hill Food and Wine Week and the Moveable Feast are under his list of special event accomplishments , along with his unyielding support of the Spring Bike Classic and AMGEN Tour of CA .

Woman of the Year : Carolyn Wallace - Carolyn Wallace loves Morgan Hill , and her actions show it . Known for having a , “ heart of gold ,” she ’ s always been deeply committed to supporting her community . Since her retirement from IBM several years ago , Carolyn utilizes her time and talents to support the Morgan Hill business community and is involved in numerous local organizations . She ’ s been a member of the Morgan Hill Bible Church for over 35 years and served on the Wine Walk and Downtown Events committee . But her passion lies with the Autistic and Aging communities . She successfully funded and launched an Autistic Children ’ s Sunday School Class , and is a founding member of the Morgan Hill Aging Council .

Student of the Year : Catherine Lai - Catherine Lai is a senior at Ann Sobrato High School and described by her teachers as a , “ talented , focused , reliable and responsible student , viewing school as an opportunity for growth and self-enrichment .” Catherine is in the top one percent of her class at Sobrato , which is ranked in the top seven percent of high schools in the state and nation . She is a Junior Auxiliary Volunteer at a local hospital and member / officer in Sobrato ’ s Red Cross Club . As President of the Peer Tutoring Program , she has been instrumental in coordinating , recruiting , training and managing over 25 tutors and 40 students bi-weekly — all via ZOOM . Catherine has a passion for biology and has positioned herself for a career as an Orthodontist or Obstetrician .

Educator of the Year : Veronica Andrade - In her roles as English Teacher at Central High School and Communications Teacher at Gavilan College , Veronica Andrade is affectionately known as an , “ out of the box educator ,” due to the investment she makes in her students — both inside and outside the classroom . “ I love my principal who allows me to be me ,” Veronica said . “ I love the kids in this community .” Not only is she an educator , she ’ s a mentor , a counselor , a coach , and most importantly , a friend to her students , ensuring they have the tools and confidence to get them to the next level . It is clear that her passion and commitment have not waivered over the years . Veronica was awarded Educator of the Year at Gilroy High School in 2009 . In 2015 she received the Teacher of the Year award at Pioneer High School .

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