Commission on Children, Youth and Families Honors Local Volunteers

 continued Monday night, as the Commission on Children, Youth and Families honored Farmington and Farmington Hills residents who have donated countless hours of service to the community. 

 judge Marla Parker, a commission member, said the volunteer recognition is "probably one of the most enjoyable things I do each year."

"Volunteerism is at the heart of our two cities," she added, and is even more valued in difficult economic times. 

Brian Golden, who volunteers with historical causes, was named . Honorees who received certificates and plaques during the  council meeting were:

Youth Awards

Blair Sucher, who develops curriculum for and teaches the "Dialogues in Diversity" class at 

Kate Diehl, a volunteer with the Mayors Youth Council and  student who is involved in producing their cable access program

Kara Mullison, a Farmington High student and Commission on Children, Youth and Families member who joined the group while she was in middle school

Zack Rich, an International Academy student and member of the Mayors Youth Council who has volunteered well over 1,000 hours during his high school years to various community groups

Maithri Malladi, secretary of the Mayors Youth Council, Farmington High student and volunteer with the annual Walk for Values

Mrudhula Tankasala, a volunteer with the Mayors Youth Council and Farmington High student

Ashna Khanna, a Farmington High student and Mayors Youth Council member who has lobbied for diversity training in all Michigan schools

Adult Awards

Laurine Donnell, a Meals on Wheels volunteer

Joline Markovich, a volunteer with a local garden club, the Farmington Community Arts Council and Farmington Community Band

Cindy Matuszak, a volunteer at St. Fabian Catholic Church

Candy Rosowski, a docent for 24 years at the Detroit Zoo

John Willwerth, a volunteer who donates more than 100 hours a month to the Farmington Community Library

Janet Pearce, who volunteers at the Farmington Community Library in the children's department and with Sweet Dreamzzz

Group Awards

AAUW (American Association of University Women) Farmington branch, which provides programs, scholarships and support for girls and women, among other community contributions

Xemplar Club, formerly known as the Exchange Club, gives thousands of dollars each year to support school and community groups

Business Award

Best Buy, a business that contributes financially and through volunteering employees, to Community Living Centers, Habitat for Humanity, Turn Around Awards and the After School program, among other causes. 

Family Awards

Joel and Elizabeth Sloan, library volunteers who bring their dogs in to listen to children read and help improve their literacy skills

Richard Lerner, Maureen McCarthy and their children Lynn and Keith, volunteer with the Junior Optimist program and other local charities and civic groups

David and Theresa Walsh, and their children Justin, Jessie and Rachel, are active in local youth sports, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser and Farmington-Farmington Hills Foundation for Youth and Families annual gala