< Previous10 | The Daily News | Citizen of the Year Finalists | 2021 In what ways are you involved with the community? Founder, Khambrel Foundation; City of La Marque Parks Board member; vice president, Friends of the La Marque Public Library; Righteous Acts of Kindness, promotes kindness to Galveston County community; Volunteer of the Month, Galveston County Food Bank; Volunteer, Salvation Army Angel Tree Program; volunteer, City of La Marque Trash-Off, third place; 2021 Daily News Citizen of the Year finalist; 2021 Certificate of Recognition, Positive Black Women of Galveston County Day and Positive Black Women of Galveston County Rock Winner; 2021 appointed to City of La Marque Parks Board; 2020 Carolyn Lee Hometown Heroes and Linda Thompson Award nominee; 2019 NAACP Servant Leader Award nominee; 2019 Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission Good Neighbor Award; 2019 City of La Marque Mayor and Council Award; and collaborate with individuals, groups, neighborhoods and organizations to help make an impact. What do you like most about serving the community? You must have a great appreciation for the community in which you serve. Opportunities to see the needs of others and your surroundings provide individuals with a desire to make an impact by helping and serving others. Why do you think it’s important to give back to the community? Those who have a heart or desire to give back often identify the needs of the community, prioritizing calls to action and generating solutions. It’s important to take a collective action establishing community partnerships, widening the impact and developing co- operative resources ensures the need of the community is met. In what ways are you involved with the community? I have been a servant leader in so many different ways. I’m extremely proud to have served my hometown of La Marque as mayor and Galveston County on many boards. What do you like most about serving the community? The people being served! What motivates you to get involved in your community? Seeing the smiles on the faces of folks who had their problem(s) resolved. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? A tremendous honor to have been named a finalist for the second year in a row! Last year’s winner, B.J. Herz, is a true winner, and she and her family are givers! Why do you think it’s important to give back to the community? All of us had a hand held out to us at some point. I enjoy being that hand! If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would that be? Married my wife sooner than I did — 50 years on June 29. What’s something that most people don’t know about you? I think most of your readers know everything about me at this point. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard? Nobody can beat you ... being you! BOBBY HOCKING CITY OF RESIDENCE » League City OCCUPATION » Retired 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS TONIA GRIFFIN CITY OF RESIDENCE » La Marque OCCUPATION » Kindness ambassador, community changemakerCongratulations! LEE HOLMES 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Love, Your Family 2021 | Citizen of the Year Finalists | The Daily News | 11 In what ways are you involved with the community? I’m involved in the community in several ways, such as serving as a volunteer deputy registrar for voter registration, campaigning for political candidates and working with programs that specifically support senior citizens. What do you like most about serving the community? I enjoy meeting the needs of senior citizens who are homebound due to physical limitations. What motivates you to get involved in your community? I truly enjoy helping people, especially senior citizens because I believe they are a vital part of the community, and I want to do my best to encourage them to stay connected. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? I’ve volunteered for years in the community, and being a finalist motivates me to continue the good work because volunteer work does make a difference in the lives of so many people. Why do you think it’s important to give back to the community? I’ve lived in the community for more than 53 years, and it is important for every citizen to do his or her part to make our community the best place to live and work for ourselves and the next generation. If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would that be? My plan would be to focus on youth empowerment because I believe young people need to be involved in community activities and city government affairs in order to create a better future. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS LEE ESTHER HOLMES CITY OF RESIDENCE » Dickinson OCCUPATION » Retired health care workerJENNIFER REYNOLDS /The Daily News file photo 2021 | Citizen of the Year Finalists | The Daily News | 13 T he Daily News and its readers were fortunate to have had a long association with William Johnson. He wrote the paper’s gardening column for so long no one at The Daily News now can recall just how long; it was years and years. Johnson’s long run as a writer ended sadly and suddenly with his death Feb. 12. Johnson wrote lots of columns, seldom missed a week. What matters most about him in that context wasn’t the quantity, however, but the quality. He always made his deadline, and his copy was clean. Those are two of the highest compliments an editor can pay, but they don’t get near capturing why he was so popular and well-respected. Johnson was an expert in his field of horticulture, held a doctorate degree and was highly informed about anything with roots and leaves. Lots of highly educated and informed people never achieved the near-universal regard that Johnson enjoyed, however. Reading Johnson’s columns about plants, it was easy to find the human in the static words on the dry paper. He got across important facts, but what made him beloved even to people who’d never met him in the flesh was his own passion, compassion, kindness, humor and humility; his own personality revealed in the words. To read the columns was to meet the man, and he was someone worth knowing, a learned gentleman of the old school. A rare breed. The task today is to honor William Johnson for a lifetime of achievement. He had many, some obvious and obviously unknown to this writer. What is clear is that William Johnson spent a lot of his life in the service of plants and planting, educating, informing and inspiring people to make the world greener and more beautiful. He did so with authorial skill and integrity. He left his audience wanting more. You can be sure people wept at his passing. We should all hope for such an achievement in life. MICHAEL A. SMITH The Daily News Editor 2021 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DR. WILLIAM M. IN THEIR OWN WORDS Below are excerpts from some of the numerous nominations The Daily News received on Johnson’s behalf: • He was passionate about educating the public. He taught us all to be better people and brought out the best in all of us. He had a gentle, but very caring attitude about helping people to help themselves. His philosophy and motto were “Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost.” • One thing that sticks in my mind with Dr. J is elephants. I was in his office one day early in our friendship and I noticed all these elephants in his office. I asked “What’s up with the elephants?” He then replied with a quite lengthy dissertation on “elephants” — describing their strength, family herd mentality, kindness, loyalty, intelligence, hierarchy, etc. I realized he was describing himself. • With a kind and true character, his passion to educate the public, unique leadership and ability to inspire, Dr. Johnson leaves a lifetime of accomplishment and lasting impact on the individuals and communities he served. It has been my privilege as a Master Gardener to work under the guidance and tutelage of Dr. J. • William was a good man. He could always be counted on for the highest professional and ethical character no matter the situation. This, above all, is what guided Dr. Johnson’s distinguished career and made him respected among his colleagues and a trusted pillar of the community. JOHNSON14 | The Daily News | Citizen of the Year Finalists | 2021 In what ways are you involved with the community? I began a laptop donation drive last summer when it was realized that students would be learning online due to the pandemic. I asked the community for donations, helped to get them refurbished, and I delivered them to students and families who needed them for online learning for the 2020-21 school year. We collected, refurbished and distributed more than 120 laptops to students in need. I also asked the community for help with food, water and laundry for our students and teachers who needed help after the big freeze in February. I will continue to support our students even after I retire this year. What do you like most about serving the community? I enjoy living and working in the same community because I know that when I give 100 percent, it comes back tenfold. I know how much our students need help and their families need a voice. What motivates you to get involved in your community? I am motivated by being a decent human and being on the right side of history. We should all want what is best for the families in our community. If you are able, you should want to help someone else without judgment. We saw we needed one another not only during the pandemic, but also during the freeze. Imagine what a great community we could have if everyone wanted to help others and felt everyone deserved the same opportunities. If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would that be? I would have started standing up for those who cannot much sooner in my life. Read full profile at galvnews.com. In what ways are you involved with the community? I have volunteered with Galveston Island Meals on Wheels for 13 years and been on the board since 2010. I am a Rotarian with The Rotary Club of Galveston, and through this organization, recently secured a grant with another member to fund more than 100 backpacks our Rotarians will stuff and deliver to various organizations. For many years, I volunteered on the walk committee for The Alzheimer’s Association, putting our efforts into raising funds and raising awareness. As often as I can, I serve meals for The Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House, and I have volunteered with Feed Galveston. As a local business owner of two assisted living facilities in Galveston, I could not feel more tied into the community. I have met so many wonderful families with generational ties to the island who have provided me as much support as I do them. The longer I’ve been in business the more I realize how great it is to serve the community in this way — keeping loved ones cared for and close by. What do you like most about serving the community? Experiencing the gratefulness and delight of people in need receiving help is incredibly fulfilling. The extra bonus is all the wonderful people I have met and long-lasting friendships I have made through volunteering. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? It’s a huge honor to be nominated, and I am very humbled to be a finalist. This year, in particular, has been so hard on everyone with the pandemic (myself included), so it’s very special to feel I have made a difference. Read full profile at galvnews.com. JUDY JOHNSON CITY OF RESIDENCE » Galveston OCCUPATION » Owner of Concord Assisted Living 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS CARRIE HUNNICUTT CITY OF RESIDENCE » Galveston OCCUPATION » TeacherCONGRATULATIONS Judy Johnson on your Citizen of the Year nomination! We are so inspired by your kindness and generosity. Thank you for being such a great example. We love you Humma! Love, Reese, Vivienne, and all your family and friends 2021 | Citizen of the Year Finalists | The Daily News | 15 In what ways are you involved with the community? I have been leading the COVID-19 response. I have worked with community leaders, county and city governments, churches, the Port of Galveston, hospitals and individuals to help stop the spread of this virus. Most recently, I have been coordinating the vaccine effort in Galveston County. What do you like most about serving the community? I have been able to meet and work with people from all walks of life across the county, from discussing strategies for stopping COVID with elected officials and business leaders to providing advice and re-assurance to ordinary people who are worried about their families. What motivates you to get involved in your community? As a physician, I have always done my best to take care of my patients. Once I became the Local Health Authority, I realized that everyone in the county, in some sense, is my patient and I have a duty to do my best for everyone who lives here. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? I am very honored. Usually, public health is something that goes on behind the scenes. It is good to know that people see our work and appreciate it. I view this as a recognition of the entire public health community. If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would that be? I would recommend wearing masks from the beginning. It’s the least obtrusive, most effective way of preventing infections without vaccines, and may have avoided having to use more restrictive measure. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS DR. PHILIP KEISER CITY OF RESIDENCE » Tiki Island OCCUPATION » Local Health Authority M oody M ansion 2618 B roadway • G alveston • MoodyMansion . orG This year’s Citizen of the Year finalists show we can all help make the world a better place. They have stepped forward to serve their schools, neighborhoods, civic groups, churches, and fellow citizens. Thank you, one and all. Citizen of the Year Finalists: You Inspire Us.Joyce, Brittany, Zach, Laura, Liz and all the grandkids. We are so proud of you! 16 | The Daily News | Citizen of the Year Finalists | 2021 In what ways are you involved with the community? I have served and currently serve on city committees, including the Landmark Commission. I am past president of the Galveston Arts Center and still serve on that board. What do you like most about serving the community? I like to be involved in a wide range of areas. I enjoy the people I get to meet and giving back to my community as much as I can. What motivates you to get involved in your community? Galveston is a very interesting city. I love the fact that it is so culturally rich, and rich with really dedicated people who strive every day to keep Galveston strong. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? I am first and foremost flattered and humbled by the nomination. I have lived in Galveston for more than 40 years, I raised my children here and I have wonderful friends here. I hope I can continue to give back to this community. To me it’s recognition to all those who own businesses, play a part of the community and strive each day to make our city a better place. Why do you think it’s important to give back to the community? This community has been through so much — the hurricanes, the rebuilding. Each and every time, the amazing non-profit organizations serve our fellow citizens. All the work that is done is so important in a diverse community like Galveston. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS DOUG MCLEAN CITY OF RESIDENCE » Galveston OCCUPATION » Business owner and artistCongratulations on being a Citizen of the Year finalist Thank you for your dedication to improving the quality of life for our communities in Galveston County and beyond. The University of Texas Medical Branch is proud and honored to have you as part of our team. Dr. Janak Patel Director, Infection Control & Healthcare Epidemiology Director, Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Pediatrics 2021 | Citizen of the Year Finalists | The Daily News | 17 In what ways are you involved with the community? The COVID pandemic brought my academic medical expertise at UTMB into the community. I worked closely with the county health department to share data about our daily case reports, helped develop protocols to allow quick access for COVID testing and treatments through multiple clinical sites, regardless of the ability of the community residents to pay for services. In addition, I assisted several local businesses and schools to develop safe protocols to operate their facilities. Finally, when the COVID vaccines came along, I led a team from UTMB that partnered with the county health department and government offices to begin a massive immunization program for our county residents as well as those from elsewhere. Several public service messages as well as linkages with community organizations were created to provide vaccinations to those who were hard to reach. This is still an ongoing process. Prior to the COVID pandemic, I was engaged for almost 30 years and providing HIV care to pregnant women and children, and assisted in developing protocols for evaluation and treatment of rape victims. These activities required building bridges with community-based service organizations and other advocacy organizations. What motivates you to get involved in your community? Helping those in need has been at the core of my medical practice. It began with serving pregnant women and children with HIV and rape victims. My practice base at UTMB allowed me significant latitude in developing these programs. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS DR. JANAK PATEL CITY OF RESIDENCE » Galveston OCCUPATION » Infectious Disease, Infection Control Congratulations on being a Citizen of the Year finalist Thank you for your dedication to improving the quality of life for our communities in Galveston County and beyond. Whether serving as the Local Health Authority for Galveston County or as a professor for the University of Texas Medical Branch, we are proud and honored to have you as part of our team. Dr. Philip Keiser Professor, Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease International HIV Program and Clinic Directorwww.stthom.edu Congratulations Nakisha Paul! The faculty, staff, and students of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing at the University of St Thomas congratulate Nakisha Paul on her nomination for Texas City Citizen of the Year 2021. In her role as Director, Simulation Center and Educational Support Services Ms. Paul is an essential member of our leadership team. Her exceptional skills at community building and networking have served our faculty, staff, and students well. Ms. Paul serves as the key liaison with the nearly 50 healthcare service agencies with which the School of Nursing affiliates. Ms. Paul is truly a master at building relationship networks and serving as a change agent in advancing our mission. Her commitment to creating healing communities is evident in every decision and action she takes. She brings these leadership skills to her role as President of the TCISD School Board. She is a leader who has faced the many challenges confronting public education in this community with skill and courage. We salute Texas City for your wisdom in recognizing this outstanding community servant and civic leader. 18 | The Daily News | Citizen of the Year Finalists | 2021 In what ways are you involved with the community? I engage in activities aimed at building better community relationships and expanding community resources. I have served on local and state level boards. I am the current school board president for Texas City Independent School District and a Master Trustee for Leadership Texas Association of School Boards. I also serve on the City of Texas City Steering Committee, Children’s Services Board of Galveston County, and the 409 Action Network of which I am a founding member. Lastly, I have chaired the Mainland MLK parade for the last eight years. What do you like most about serving the community? I was “raised by the village” and my parents, and that is why I enjoy bringing people together. Community service provides me a sense of purpose and that purpose is focused on creating meaningful relationships and, through those relationships, meaningful change. What motivates you to get involved in your community? This community helped nurture me in my personal and professional life. This community is my family, and I have engaged with it all my life. Living in it and sharing the common love of community is a strong motivator for my involvement. What does it mean to be named a finalist for Citizen of the Year? Being nominated for this award serves as a source of humility, pride and validation stemming from my La Marque/Texas City community engagement; I am honored by it. I know my community has supported me and my work for years. I have tried and will continue to try to make meaningful contributions. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS NAKISHA PAUL CITY OF RESIDENCE » Texas City OCCUPATION » Director, Simulation and Education Support Services CRISS & ROUSSEAU CONGRATULATIONS NAKISHA PAUL! KEEP MAKING GOOD TROUBLE. Law Firm LLP ** Central Texas Office: 100W. Central Texas Expressway (Extraco Bank Bldg), Suite 302 Harker Heights, Texas 76548 254-699-9999 Galveston Office: 719 59th Street Galveston, Texas 77551 409-356-9944 www.CrissRousseau.com 2021 | Citizen of the Year Finalists | The Daily News | 19 In what ways are you involved with the community? My number one goal this past year has been to provide a safe learning environment for all children and families at Trinity Episcopal School during COVID-19. I was on the board at the Galveston Children’s Museum and the Galveston Island Rotary Club. For the museum, it has been a very difficult year because of the lack of patrons during the pandemic. I enjoyed working with the board and the executive director on strategic planning and ensuring long-term sustainability for the museum. As a member of the Rotary Club of Galveston Island, I serve on the board over club service. Through Rotary, I have had the unique opportunity to work closely with various organizations on Galveston Island, from serving meals at Shiners Hospital to hosting a holiday party at the Meridian with fellow Rotarians. My role on the board is with club service, enabling me to work closely with the Interact Club at Ball High. The students have been able to complete some unique service-learning projects during COVID, from cemetery and beach cleanups to working with St. Vincent’s House. I also worked on putting a process in place for Ball High seniors for Interact Club scholarships from the Galveston Island Rotary Club. What do you like most about serving the community? “Service above Self” is a Rotary mantra that I believe to be true. Helping others in need and inspiring students and others to know that a community must have many members care and act upon the needs of others makes for a thriving community. Serving Trinity as the sixth Head of School has been a distinctive honor because of the many service projects the students and teachers are able to achieve. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2021 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS MARK RAVELLI CITY OF RESIDENCE » Galveston OCCUPATION » Head of School TEXAS’ OLDEST NEWSPAPER We have survived through wars, recessions, depressions, floods and hurricanes. We have covered Galveston County since 1842 and continue on today as your local news source. Next >