Holland announces Social Justice winners, including Sentinel's own Sarah Leach
HOLLAND — Holland's Human Relations Commission announced the recipients of the 2023 Social Justice Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The annual awards have, in a quarter-century, recognized 114 individuals and organizations who epitomize the virtues of social justice and promote equal opportunity and equal access for residents.
“We desire to pursue a community of belonging for all residents, with special consideration for groups that are underserved, under-represented or marginalized,” said Human and International Relations Manager Esther Fifelski.
The Sentinel's own executive editor, Sarah Leach, was among those recognized, and received a standing ovation for her work covering Ottawa County government. Leach has been nominated for a Pulitzer for her reporting, and has helped the community better participate in the democratic process, organizers said.
"We couldn't be more proud of Sarah," said local editor Cassandra Lybrink. "Among endless late nights spent digging for answers to tough questions, Sarah has guided our coverage on perhaps the most important political exchange in Ottawa County history. We simply couldn't do this without her."
"This is an interesting position to be in, because I'm used to being on the other side," Leach said. "I just want to thank everybody on behalf of our organization. I'm immensely proud of the work we've been able to do. We are not normally appreciated in this kind of way, it's usually criticism that we hear, and the overwhelming support that we've gotten over the past 13 months has just been ... it's meant the world to me."
Other recipients of the 2023 Social Justice Awards include:
Holland Museum (Education): The museum spent last year educating guests by highlighting the voices of diverse local populations with exhibits ranging from "YAS Queen! The History of Drag" to "United for Progress: The Story of LAUP" to "Contemporary Portraits of Native Americans."
Christine Plummer (Health Services): Under Plummer’s leadership, City on a Hill has helped reduce racial disparities in adult vaccination coverage within Ottawa County. The organization's health clinic has led to an increase in access to medical and mental health resources, financial assistance and more.
Lucia Rios (Accessibility): Born with spina bifida, Rios has spent more than 20 years teaching people and organizations how to create access and equity in housing, employment and more. She’s also the co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series, through which she educates readers on accessibility issues.
Yanyssa Ochoa (Youth Social Justice Award): Ochoa works to ensure opportunities are available to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, social group or financial need. She’s involved in Student Senate, the National Honor Society, and LAUP’s Citizenship Classes.
Deborah Sterken (Lifetime Achievement Award): Sterken has championed developmentally disabled young people, students struggling to develop, families lacking the means for housing, and others over her 42 years in Holland. She was principal in the creation of the Friendship House and has been involved in the Community Action House, the Holland Community Foundation and Jubilee Ministries.
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Wayne Klomparens (Lifetime Achievement Award): Klomparens spent 38 years as an elementary school educator, two terms on Holland City Council and one term as president of the Holland Education Association. He wants a warm, welcoming Holland that's accepting of everyone.Learn more at socialjusticeawards.cityofholland.com.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland announces Social Justice winners, including Sentinel's own Sarah Leach
