2010 MICAH 6 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Rev. Ted Nace  – nominated by Cyndy Kulp

Since his teaching and service in Lebanon in 1947/48, Rev. Ted Nace has expressed a clear, persistent voice for justice and peace for Palestinian people.  Ted’s determination to promote a compassionate vision of nonviolence and empathy is conveyed through a humble witness exemplifying the Christian spirit.  Cyndy Kulp cites Ted as an inspiration, admiring for his knowledge, passion and outspoken witness, over sixty years, for Palestinian people.

Al Munson M.D.  – nominated by Mary Jane Ray & Jack Holladay

Dr. Al Munson’s vision and dedication provide excellent medical care to the poor in our community, notably through his leadership and service in the Diabetic Clinic and the Mission Medical Clinic.  Mary Jane and Jack expressed admiration for his fine work as a gifted, generous physician who brings much needed, exceptional medical care with empathetic support to the poorest of our poor.

Clare Twomey – nominated by Rev. Paul Carpenter

A recent graduate with a Masters of Divinity from Iliff Seminary and co-founder of the Community Counseling Center of Manitou, Clare Twomey has become a passionate advocate for the safety, dignity and justice for immigrants to our country.  Paul Carpenter cited her compassionate engagement with the desperate needs of those walking across the Sonoran Desert, working with the agency “No More Deaths,” Catholic Charities of our local diocese, and the UCC’s Rocky Mountain Conference, Justice and Peace Committee.  Paul was joined by members of the nominations committee in expressing admiration for her dedication and principled witness for immigrants.

Jon Vigne & Del Hokanson – nominated by Jim Matson

Present at creation of the FCC OWL program (Our Whole Lives, Sexuality and Spirituality) in 1993/94, Jon and Del have exemplified leadership and service to youth in teaching four successive rounds of the Junior (8^th + 9^th grade) curriculum.  This is OWL’s meat and potatoes, a centerpiece of sexuality education during these often turbulent and almost always questioning years (in addition to being our longest curriculum and our most heavily subscribed).  Jon and Del have shouldered this responsibility with grace and aplomb.  As experienced educators, they provide an affirming, accurate, supportive sexuality education with insight and wisdom, connecting, as the best educators do, with each student in ways that make a long-lasting impression.  Jon and Del have served in the trenches helping our youth clarify their values, build interpersonal skills and appreciate the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of sexuality, to help the youth make informed, responsible decisions about relationships in the context of their faith.