Inland Northwest difference makers: Calling for nominations
During the past year, people living in the Spokane region have shown courage, generosity and love to one another.
While news reports so often focus on controversy and wrongdoing, behind almost every story is someone who set aside self-interest to do the right thing.
The Spokesman-Review plans to publish 10 stories at the end of this year recognizing some of those who made a difference in our community, and we need the help of our readers.
We’re seeking nominations of difference makers who did something extraordinary within the past year that reflects the best of the Inland Northwest.
Please consider filling out our online form at www.spokesman.com/sections/difference-makers/ if you know of someone deserving of the designation. Some of them took lofty ideas and turned them into concrete projects. Others acted out of selflessness in a desperate moment. All deserve to be recognized.
Last year we wrote about:
Mark Finney, director of World Relief, who crossed cultural and ideological barriers as refugee resettlement went from a minor bureaucratic function of the U.S. government to a hot-button political and policy issue.
Developer Ron Wells, who used passion and savvy to preserve Spokane’s heritage.
Ginger Ewing, founder and director of Window Dressing – the storefront program that brings art to unused spaces.
The Spokane Crisis Negotiation Team, which faces a job that often entails long hours, stressful encounters and little fanfare. Their work that can save lives is often ignored or underappreciated.
Sophomore Sam Strahan, who confronted a fellow student in the hallway of Freeman High School. Administrators, teachers, students and community leaders called him a hero as he died trying to face down the shooter.
Emma Moon, director of life skills development at Gonzaga’s Student-Athlete Support Services department, who works to help student-athletes cope with the stress of a busy lifestyle.
Doctor and Catholic priest Stan Malnar, who brought compassion to mothers and families from births to deaths.
Layne Pavey, who used her own experience as a felon to push “Ban the Box” and give former prisoners a chance on the outside.
The president of Empire Health Foundation, Antony Chiang, “driven to make the world a better place” by using bold thinking to drive social change.
Principal Lori Wyborney, who reached outside the walls to change the culture within Rogers High School.