York Electric Cooperative, Inc. is observing its 75th birthday this year and as part of its celebration honored 75 people who have big hearts and embody the spirit of the cooperative program – people who have been High Voltage Heroes to individuals and our community. On February 25, YEC announced and honored the recipients of this community initiative and awarded each of them a cash prize.
“One of YEC’s core values is commitment to community and our High Voltage Heroes initiative is an appropriate way to say thank you for the selfless giving of these special community members,” says Paul Basha, YEC’s President and CEO. “York Electric has been an important part of our local community for 75 years and we are very excited to include these recognitions as part of our 75th anniversary celebration.”
[PDF] YEC High Voltage Heroes Nominees
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Nominees
1. Tammie Anderson, nominated by Joyce Baker
Served on YEC’s Operation Round Up Trust Board from May 2007 until August 2013
Active member of Clover Presbyterian Church where she serves as a deacon and an elder
Organized several mission trips to Mexico
Volunteer for Love A Child
Founder of Crooked Creek Farm, a 501c3 local charity that provides horseback riding lessons for children who cannot afford it.
2. Alberta Anthony, nominated by Cameron Moore
Retired school teacher after working for York School District #1 for 40 years
Known as a mother, leader, and roll-model to all of her past students, as well as her two sons
Active member in Bethesda Presbyterian Church
3. Shirley Bailey, nominated by Mack Bailey
Past chair and current board member for the York County Free Clinic where she initiated a move to a larger facility
Past President of the Rock Hill Kiwanis Club
Active church member where she serves a deacon and on the servicemen and Veterans committee, honoring those who serve our country
Facilitates a monthly Bible Study at Brookdale Chandler Place retirement home
4. Dr. Stacy Blackmon, nominated by Teeny Hall
Organized and formed a free dental clinic in association with the Clover Area Assistance Center, serving those who could not afford dental care for the past 11 years
Volunteers to provide hospice patients dental care in their homes
Provides dental care to young girls who are involved in the ***___ trade problem in Charlotte, NC
5. Betty Bolin, nominated by Nell J. Moses
Known as the “glue” that holds her community together, always giving back to others
Retired primary school teacher
Active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church where she serves on the council of Health and Welfare
Always starts a prayer chain for those who are ill
6. Dana Boutwell, nominated by Lisa McCarley
Volunteer at her children’s school
Founder and coordinator for 30 Days for a cure to benefit cookies for Kids’ Cancer, where sales from numerous bake sales in our area are coupled with business donations, then matched by OXO raise over $70,000 to benefit childhood cancer
7. Stephen Burkell, nominated by Melina Evans
After becoming an Eagle Scout, he earned his way into Order of the Arrow
Served our country as a Staff Sargent in the Marine Corps for 12 years
Volunteer fire fighter at Bethel VFD
Serves as a Watch Dog at a local elementary school
8. Michelle Cherikos, nominated by Alex Cherikos
Owner and operator of Angel Eye portraits – using photography to inform, educate, and make a difference in the lives of orphans
Organized events to bring awareness regarding orphan care to our area and internationally, including 4 trips to Haiti
9. Jessica Cody, nominated by Sheila Cominsky
Active member of Moped to Memphis group, raising thousands of dollars each year for St. Jude Hospital
Hosted several fundraising events including proms, womanless pageants, and walk-a-thons
Grant coordinator for Eat Smart Move More York County
President for Bethany Elementary PTO
10. Scott Craton, nominated by Sally Craton
Received “Thumbs Up” awards for finding an elderly woman in her yard who had fallen and needed assistance and for delivering a baby on Hwy 521
Active member of his community
11. Bob Davenport, nominated by Michael Roach
Active member of the Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department
Helps coordinate many community and fire department fundraisers
12. Kyle Dowdall, nominated by Gary Lounsbury
Fulltime firefighter with the Tega Cay Fire Department
Volunteer firefighter for the Riverview Fire Department and Wesley Chapel Fire Department
Coordinated events to teach area youth about fire safety
Former coach for Fort Mill lacrosse youth
13. Rev. James Erle, nominated by Brenda Fair
Pastor at Cornerstone Family Worship Center
Instrumental in growing the church’s food pantry from helping 25 families per week to more than 145 families per week
Helped secure the church’s food pantry to be the Benefit Bank premier site in South Carolina
14. Rebecca Christenbury, nominated by Troy Christenbury
Purchases and donates goods to the needy
Coordinates and hosts many fundraising events to aid in the cost of hospital bills and funeral expenses for those in need in our community
15. Cindy Downing, nominated by Barbara Stephenson
Committee Chairman for Comporium Pioneer Club, Salvation Army board member, ITPA board member
Past Guardian Ad Litem
Volunteer for Come See Me events and participant in several fundraising events in our area including Light the Night and Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis
16. Gary Farris, nominated by Paula Greiner
Past board member for Keep York County Beautiful
Active member of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
Volunteers most of his spare time picking up litter in York County and has encouraged others to join his mission to protect our world by organizing and educating others about recycling and trash pickup events
17. Richard Fox, Jr., nominated by Lauren McSwain
Active member and deacon of West End Baptist Church
Volunteers his time to help others in his community and his church family, including maintaining the church grounds
Avid hunter, sharing his meat with needy families
18. Connie F. Freeman, nominated by Ethel Sutton
Influential community member by truly caring for people who come into her store
Takes her time to check on others and visit with them when they do not have family
19. Anne Gilfillan, nominated by Brown Simpson, Jr.
Active member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church including fundraising events and the United Methodist Women
Influential volunteer for the Hickory Grove Fire Department including coordinating their Tractor Show and Cow Patty Drop fundraising events
Current Operation Round Up board member
20. Elizabeth Diana Hammond, nominated by Timothy Childers who suffered a brain injury 7 years ago
Mother of 6 who cares for her son, Timothy
Travels to various military bases to support the troops, feeding them and thanking them for their service in a decorative school bus
21. Elizabeth Harris, nominated by Anthony Nichols
Active enrolled member of the Catawba Indian Nation
She has served on the tribal government since 2009, helping to establish a new Constitution, strategic plan for the future, a transit service, a wellness program, along with many other community events
Serves at the Community Planner for the tribe and on the tribe’s Economic Development Board
22. Shirley Harris, nominated by Lorraine Stewart
Retired school teacher after working for 31 years
Current Adult Education teacher for 8 years
York School Board member for 16 years where she was chairman for 2 years
York Rotary Club member
Active member of the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church where she is a Circle Leader, Sunday school teacher, President of the Women of the Church, served as an elder for the church, and is currently the moderator of the Presbyterian Women of Providence Presbytery
23. Patti Imler, nominated by JillMarie Eaton
Plays Santa for families in need during Christmas, purchasing gifts for children
Delivers firewood and pays utility bills for families in need during winter months
Organizes various fundraising events to feed the hungry, provide for funeral expenses for families in need, care for the elderly in our area, and provide funding for the Burned Children’s fund of South Carolina
24. Ruth Jackson, nominated by Danielle Childers
Influential caregiver to many during her years as a floor secretary for York General Hospital, followed by Piedmont Medical Center
Volunteer at Hope House of Rock Hill
Active longtime member of Catawba Baptist Church where she is a circle member and mentor to many
25. Butch Jamieson, nominated by Megan McMahan
Delivers meals to homebound neighbors and donates food to those in need in our area
Donated large items such as air conditioners, phones and cars to those in need
Contributed a large selection of toys to the Children’s Attention Home this Christmas
26. Mary Jones, nominated by Akilah Jones
Registered nurse who works in home care
Took in a homeless teen, successfully offering her a nurturing environment and pushing her to continue her education
Local school volunteer
27. Caroline Krueger, nominated by Donna Murray
Active member of Oakland Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir
Past volunteer Sunday school teacher at a local nursing home
Coordinator of the Oakland Ministry Center, Clothing Side
Rock Hill High School landscape volunteer and retired English teacher
28. David Lawrence, nominated by Kristin Lawrence
Worked as an economic developer for our area for 20 years
His work has helped provide jobs to many in York County and revitalize Rock Hill’s downtown area including Fountain Park, Knowledge Park, and the restoration of many historic buildings
29. Douglas Little, Jr., nominated by Sharon Hartsoe
Makes charitable donates to the following: American Cancer Society, Upper Palmetto YMCA, York Police Department, York School District One, and York Comprehensive High School
Provides books for elementary schools in York School District One
Board member of First Citizens Bank and YMCA
Police officer for 15 years and currently serves as an officer reserve for the York City Police
Donates Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts to families in need
30. Albert Lopez, nominated by Ann Faulk and Tina Laws
Collects payments from community members to cover utility bills for his 94-year-old landlord
Donates funds himself to help cover any bills that are unpaid in his neighborhood
31. Mark McCarter, nominated by Daniel Cox
4-H leader in the community, including many volunteer hours to teach underprivileged children about horses
Officer with the York County Sheriff’s Department
32. Grady Meeks, Jr., nominated by Jerilyne Meeks
Disabled veteran, serving 3 years and 9 months in the Air Force including tours in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
Upon his honorable discharge in 1970 due to extensive injuries and after his retirement from 40 years in manufacturing, he has helped other veterans receive over $8 million dollars in benefits since 2005
33. Patti Mercer, nominated by Lisa McCarley
Volunteer coordinator for the SC Strawberry Festival pageant resulting in thousands of dollars being donated to various charitable organizations throughout our community
Promotes leadership and provides a good example for those who work with her, especially to young girls
Volunteer judge for Fort Mill’s annual Dancing with the Stars
34. John Merical, nominated by Nina Merical
Devoted his time and talents to build a bedroom, kitchen, bath, and laundry area for a family in need living 6 hours away by utilizing his personal vacation time from work and long weekends away from his family
Active member of his church, serving as a deacon, Vacation Bible School leader, Baptist Men Leader, and Aging Ministry committee where he builds ramps for the elderly
35. Frances Moore, nominated by Joyce Hudson
Secretary at College Park Baptist church
Wife, mother, and grandmother of 9
Caretaker for her 84-year-old mother who is in the last stages of dementia
Visitor of community members who are sick, in need, and who are lonely
36. Donald Murfin, nominated by Linda Murfin
Founder of The Community Café, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides free meals to the less fortunate
Coordinates the fundraising, donations, volunteers, and meals to make the nonprofit run smoothly
Recipient of the AARP SC Roger Jermyn Community Service Award
37. Lauren Opitz, nominated by Theresa Opitz
12th grade student
Past assistant coach for “Girls on the Run”
Volunteer for preschoolers at a local private school
Promotes good self-esteem to other kids in an effort to counteract the negativity she experienced from being bullied in school at a young age
38. Rev. Jeffrey Park, nominated by Dianna Park
Founder and director of the Learning Help Centers of Charlotte, placing chaplains in low income, immigrant/refugee majority apartment complexes and provides free after school tutoring, sports programs, summer camps, and family stabilization to keep kids in school
Active member for Forest Hill Church FM where he leads small groups and is an Elder in the congregation
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Riverview Elementary, and JAARS ministry center
39. Dr. Vina Pesaru, nominated by Toni Burke
Excellent care for patients with dementia and Alzheimers
Educates our community regarding these diseases and hosts monthly support meetings for family members and friends of the patients
Personally involves herself in every aspect of her patients, including background checks for each caregiver to insure her patients receive the best
Works with Hospice to provide end of life care
Organized community fundraisers to raise awareness about the growing problem of these diseases and to raise money for the research and treatments of these diseases
40. Roger Phillips, nominated by Pat Phillips
Reserve deputy for Lancaster County Sheriff’s office for 17 years
Helped organize and plan events for the community to insure safety was a priority
41. Scott Phillips, nominated by Lisa Phillips
Volunteer Adopt-A-Pilot Ambassador for local schools representing his employer, Southwest Airlines
Den Leader for Boy Scout Pack 832 and Coordinator for Boy Scout Troop 832, STEM Mentor for Palmetto Council of the Boy Scouts of America, helped 8 scouts earn their Supernova Award
Organized the Polar Plunge at the Upper Palmetto YMCA
Board member for the Fort Mill YMCA and the Baxter Barracudas
42. Scott Prophet, nominated by Alok Singh
Extraordinary neighbor and family man
Volunteer handyman to those in need in his community
Offered help to a neighbor whose husband was diagnosed with ALS by completing tasks around her house and maintaining her lawn
43. Melvin Propst, Jr., nominated by Susan Smith
Caretaker of the elderly, widows, neighbors and friends in our community
Donates money, time, food, and clothes to those in need including large baskets of fruit to needy families during Christmas
44. Michael Radl, nominated by Raymond Howard
Collects and distributes baked items to the needy around York County including Pilgrim’s Inn and Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen
Active member of Knights of Columbus on the local and state level
45. Floyd Robinson (deceased), nominated by Fred Durston
Charter member of the Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Department where he served for 42 years
Until his death, he was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Mil
Collects and recycles aluminum cans from local restaurants for money which he donated to the SC Children’s Burn Center
46. Oscar Sadler, nominated by Tommie Bratton
Longtime member of York Electric’s Board of Trustees where his leadership, sound judgement and wise counsel helped the Cooperative give back and serve our community to the best of our abilities
Active member of Bullocks Creek Presbyterian Church where he serves as an elder
47. Dr. Winslow Schock, nominated by Rev. Michael Poore
Founder and CEO of Cheer for Children, a 501c3 charity helping children
Advocate for literacy for children
Rock Hill Community Relations Council board member and Clinton College Board of Trustees
48. Michael Scoggins, nominated by Bryan McDougald
York County historian
Southern Revolutionary War Institute director
Author/co-author of 12 boos on local and regional history for York County
Amateur Radio Emergency Service operator
Carolinas Historic Aviation Museum volunteer
Active member of Armenia United Methodist Church including choir member, Sunday school teacher, trustee, and the cemetery association
Volunteer and executive committee for Boy Scout Troop #66
49. Judy Smith, nominated by Anne Wilson
Volunteer for the Fort Mill Care Center, working to connect those that are fortunate with those in need
Coordinates Christmas gifts for families in need in the Fort Mill area, often donating gifts herself when they have not been supplied by others in the community
50. Jay Stackley, nominated by Johanna Sipe
Active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in York where he serves as a deacon
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity where he recently traveled to Romania to build homes, along with several other mission trips around the United States and abroad
Retired electrical engineer, father to 4, grandfather to 7, and great-grandfather to 3.
Vietnam Army Veteran
51. James Tims, nominated by Susanna Lee
Respected and dedicated neighbor to his community where he currently lives and grew up
Always willing to lend a helping hand or ear to those in need in our community
40 Year Veteran
Active member of his church where he has served as the chairman of the deacon board for 25 years and as a deacon for 40 years
52. Brian Trail, Sr., nominated by Brian Trail, II
City of York Policeman for 27 years
Awarded hometown hero because of his willingness to serve and his humility
Giving and loyal to the members of his community
53. Totty Wilkerson, nominated by Ann Spencer
Leader of a team who prepares weekly meals at Dorothy Day Soup kitchen for more than twelve years
Conducts a weekly Bible study for women in prison at Moss Justice
Upon release from prison these women, with whom she has lead the study, often call on her for help. She picks them up and finds them a place to stay
Volunteer for the Haven Men’s Shelter, Historic Brattonsville, and Museum of York County
Board member for the following: Haven Men’s Shelter (past), YMCA, Glencairn Gardens, Come See Me (awarded volunteer of the year award), Family Promise, and was the past commissioner for the Culture and Heritage Board
54. Troy Williams, nominated by Allen Thomas
Volunteer dog walker for elderly community members and those who have fallen ill
Handyman for those in need in his community who are unable to complete the tasks themselves
55. Kierra Landrum, nominated by Samantha Niemeyer
Working to complete her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Winthrop University and plans to pursue her Psy.D. in Clinical Counseling next fall
Volunteer working with Autism Spectrum Disorder, “Girls on the Run” Piedmont Medical Center and York County Board of Disabilities
Presented a leadership workshop at the 2015 Emerging Leaders Education Conference
56. Ronnie Aiton, Sr., nominated by Nicole Shackelford
Volunteer for Area Eleven Special Olympics
Founded and funded “Kids for Jesus Bus Ministry” in our community which picks up kids and adults in the Rock Hill area to attend church who would otherwise not have transportation to attend
Took a group of children and a bus load of bottled water to Columbia to help during the flood
57. Jules Cagle, nominated by Carson Taylor
Member of the Extended Biker Sisters
Completed fundraising campaigns for the following: fundal expenses, “Krusade for Kelsey” – a campaign to help with medical expenses for brain cancer treatment, Seniors Need Santa, SC flood victims (and their pets), Safe Passage, Toys for Tots
58. Dale Dove, nominated by Frances Mabry
Founder of Renew Our Community, Inc. (ROC), a 501c3 charitable organization founded in 2012 helping those in need in our area
He works to gather volunteers and make connections throughout the community to help the homeless, provide job education, and meals when necessary
Awarded the Congressional Angel of Adoptions Award, he is a local adoption attorney in Rock Hill
59. Rev. Dr. Ron King, nominated by Marc Howie
Founded his “Feed the Hungry Ministry” over 35 years ago
Has helped to feed and clothe thousands of homeless over the years
60. Jesse Miskelly, nominated by Tracy Miskelly
4th year teacher of agriculture at Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center
Organizes fundraisers to help those that are less fortunate travel with the class to learn about the importance of the agriculture industry
Board member for the local soil and water conservation board and nominee for the State Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher committee
Active member of Philadelphia United Methodist Church
Received the “Teacher Turn the Key” award
61. Dr. Wendy Schonfeld, nominated by Dr. Michael Schonfeld, Paulette Warmoth and Natalie Branham
Founder of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center, a 501c3 organization using horses for therapy
This center helps patients gain muscle control, trust, and to have fun despite any disabilities they may have
The center focuses on patients with autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, multiple scleroses, brain injuries, and more
Dr. Schonfeld works tirelessly along with her staff of 40 volunteers and 9 specially trained horses to provide the best services to her patients so that they can maximize their abilities
62. Babette Sabia, nominated by Tracy Little
Member of the Indian Land Rotary Club, serving for many years and helping to secure thousands of dollars to be redistributed to our local schools and libraries
Volunteer for United Way and Indian Land Fall Festival
63. Elouise McCree, nominated by Rick Jiran
25-year volunteer with the 4H program in Chester
Her work with the 4H includes organizing the Annual Big Fish Tournament and leading youth in baking pies for those in need on Thanksgiving
Partnering with the Red Cross Disaster Manager, she led their comfort kit program in the Chester area 3 years, taking in over 500 kits each year
64. Ainslee Moss, nominated by Wendi Chambers
Founder and president of Tender Hearts Ministries of York, a place for women and their children to find refuge
65. Lizabeth Swayne, nominated by Paul Basha
Volunteers 30 or more hours per week to care for women and couples who are struggling to make wise choices or who simply need good Christian advice
She primarily focuses on single women trying to better themselves
She meets with a group weekly to help guide them, speaks to several over the phone, and meets with up to 5 individuals on a given week
66. Ricky Teal, nominated by April and Dale Miller
Invites families and people with special needs to come to his home to worship
Mr. Teal calls this location Sparrow Ranch and funds the service through private donations and his own money
His goal is to create a place where everyone feels welcomed despite any obstacles they may have in their daily lives because of their disabilities
67. Robert O. Williams, nominated by Bethany Hardin
Past president and CEO of York Electric, his guidance was instrumental in growing our cooperative and supporting the community
Dedicated to our area and making it better, he helped to grow our membership from 5089 members in late 1960 to 32208 in 2003 upon his retirement
68. Mitchell Truesdale, nominated by Roy Dunlap
American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, helping with 7 national disasters
Volunteer at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp in Canton, NC
Retired Air Force veteran serving for 20 years including tours in Iraq, Vietnam and the Cuban Crisis
Volunteers his time to maintain mountain trails around Asheville, NC including the Appalachian Trail
Servers on the Administrative Council at Antioch United Methodist Church
69. Ronnie Hogue, nominated by John and Jan Myers
Volunteer at PATH
Cans food to give away to the needy
Visits shut-ins in their homes, hospital rooms, and nursing homes
Member of the Sharon ARP Church, serving as an Elder
70. Dr. George Hook, nominated by Richard Roach
34-year member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, serving as the moderator on the board of deacons, elder, and chairman of the planning and development committee
Volunteer at ROC dental clinic
Completed several dental mission trips including Honduras and Guatemala
Board member and chairman of speech and hearing center
71. Minor O. Gaskins, nominated by Richard Roach
Worked with Rev. Dr. Ron King on his “Feed the Hungry Ministry” for 28 years
Distributed his book “Buttons” to children who could not afford it
Financially supported the Edgemoor Auction Barn to distribute over 1000 bicycles throughout York and Chester Counties for Christmas each year
72. Clayburn Barnette, nominated by Ragin Craig
Active member of the Bethesda community for more than 60 years
Active member of his church
Serves as a magistrate judge and volunteers with the Bethesda Fire Department
73. Wayne Herndon, nominated by Ragin Craig
Active church member, including missionary work
Volunteer with the Bethesda Fire Department
Always first on the scene, even at the age of 80, when disaster strikes
74. Elaine T. Baker, nominated by Michael G. Baker
Retired school teacher and administrator, serving the Rock Hill school district for 49 years
Named the Home Town Hero by CN2 News
Dedicated servant to the community and to her past students, always pushing them to succeed
75. Judy Gray, nominated by Carolyn Sue Potts
Active member of Doby’s Bridge Presbyterian and leads many events there for both adults and children
Purchases school supplies for needy families at the beginning of each school year, but also supports them in other ways including spiritually, financially, and more
Related Link:
The Herald: York Electric Cooperative honors 75 local heroes