2023 Citizens on the Move, Headliners announced

Earlier this fall, the Amarillo Globe-News accepted nominations for its 2023 Citizens on the Move awards, presented by FirstBank Southwest. These awards recognize members of the community who are making a positive impact in Amarillo. The following people will be recognized as the 2023 Citizens on the Move at an in-person awards ceremony to be held Jan. 25:

Skylar Gallop

The Amarillo Globe-News announces Skylar Gallop as a 2023 Citizen on the Move for her involvement with several Amarillo area organizations, including serving as the President of Elevate Amarillo, where she championed the organization's adoption of Ellwood Park in partnership with the city. Gallop also sits on Region 16’s P-16 Council and commonly volunteers with The Reader Leaders Network, Los Barrios de Amarillo and the Amarillo Area Foundation’s Panhandle Community Partnership program. In addition to remaining involved and serving on many other boards, Gallop has shown continued commitment to improving the Amarillo community.

Tommie Knox

The Globe-News announces Tommie Knox as a 2023 Citizen on the Move for his role as the president of the Eastridge Neighborhood Association and his contributions to help the community, especially low-income households and those on the edge of poverty withing the area. Knox has also remained involved spearheading in providing collaborations with the city of Amarillo to create renovation plans for the Eastridge community.

Bobby and Danny Lee

Brothers Bobby and Danny Lee, two of the 2023 Citizens on the Move, are best known as the co-owners of the Big Texan, one of the most iconic steakhouses in the United States, if not the world. The brothers are incredibly involved in community causes, hosting multiple nonprofit and charitable events. Following the devastating EF-3 Tornado hitting the city of Perryton with over 200 homes and businesses destroyed, the brothers hosted the Pickin’ for Perryton fundraiser to help those impacted in the city. Throughout the year, the brothers hold multiple fundraisers for service organizations, local animal shelters, the Special Olympics, and other charities. Year after year, the Lee brothers commit to serving the community with more than simply good food with their charitable efforts.

Shawn Kennedy

Shawn Kennedy, a co-founder of Blank Spaces, professional artist and art teacher at Caprock High School, has worked in the community to create opportunities for young aspiring artists in the Amarillo area. Kennedy, Shanda O’Neill and Dyron Howell of Snack Pak 4 Kids started Blank Spaces in 2019 to invest in kids and give them an opportunity to pursue their passions through the creative arts. The program prepares its young interns with various job-related skills and training to prepare them for careers in art. Blank Spaces, since its inception, has created more than 65 murals in the Amarillo community.

Jeff Renteria

Jeff Renteria is a rising voice in Amarillo with his work in the Barrio Neighborhood and his annual Barrio Bash back to school event, which helps children get needed school supplies for the year. From its humble beginnings which originated from a casual horseshoe tournament, the Barrio Bash has gone from its first year of giving out about 40 small drawstring backpacks with school supplies to currently serving more than 1,000 children in the community. The event has grown with more community partners focused on changing children’s lives. In October, Renteria was named as the “Heart of the Barrio” for his charitable efforts during the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon and Awards Celebration.

Dr. Traci Rogers

Dr. Traci Rogers has been selected as a 2023 Citizen on the Move in recognition of her efforts within the Amarillo community advocating against human trafficking. Rodgers founded No Boundaries International in 2013, a faith-based, non-profit organization that focuses on providing inner healing, victim assistance, and discipleship to those affected by human trafficking, as well as those struggling with homelessness, and addiction. Since its establishment, Rogers has collaborated her message with area school systems to train employees and school staff members about how to identify if someone is being abused or trafficked.

Wendi Swope

The Amarillo Globe-News announces Wendi Swope as a 2023 Citizen on the Move for her service to several Amarillo organizations, including Heal The City, the Amarillo College Foundation, Texans Caring for Texans, the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board and the Randall County Sheriff’s Office TCOLE Advisory Board, among others. In 2009, Swope founded Double U Marketing & Communications, where she currently serves as president and creative director for the Amarillo-based ad company.

2023 Headliners also to be honored at Jan. 25 ceremony

The Globe-News is proud to announce the 2023 Headliners, Dr. Alan Keister and Keralee Clay. These awards are also being presented by FirstBank Southwest. Look for more on these two honorees in a separate story, as well as a feature in a future edition.

This year's Man & Woman of the Year, Tremaine Brown and April Johansson, along with past honorees will be honored at a special in-person celebration next week being presented by FirstBank Southwest.

Tickets are now available through Friday, Jan. 19, for the 2023 Amarillo Globe-News Man and Woman of the Year and Citizens on the Move awards ceremony. The event, set for Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Amarillo Civic Center. General admission tickets are $75. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the civic center in the Heritage Room. Recipients of the Amarillo Globe-News Headliners and Citizens on the Move will also be recognized during the event.

Join us for this special in-person event by purchasing tickets online at www.amarillo.com/mwoy. All are welcome to recognize these amazing individuals. Tickets include access to the event, a sit-down dinner, and the awards presentation. Limited tickets are available, and ticket sales end Friday.

Have questions about the event? Contact us by emailing hello@usatventures.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Globe-News 2023 Citizens on the Move announced