SEQUIM – The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award.

Chosen by a committee of former winners of the award during a meeting on February 15, the three finalists chosen from the pool of nominees each exemplify a different kind of volunteerism and community support.

Irrigation Festival Pageant and Royalty Director Lynn Horton was nominated by fellow Irrigation Festival board member Michelle Rhodes. From the first meeting, through the pageant, and on to 17 different parades and events throughout the year, the woman known to many as “Mama Lynn” is right there to support the young people who make up each year’s court. She works on the float, the costumes, the planning, the sponsorships, and the events. She coaches, educates and encourages.

Dr. Monica Dixon was nominated by fellow Sequim volunteer Julianne Coonts. Dr. Dixon is known for making homemade dinners for isolated seniors, leading the charge to sew 200 isolation gowns and more than 9,800 masks during 2020. After working with the Sequim Food Bank to perform their first-ever needs assessment, she then led the effort to create the Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition. Supporters describe her as a team builder and a do-er.

Current president of the Sequim Valley Lions Club, David Blakeslee was nominated by fellow Lion, Steve Sahnow. With the Lions Club, David worked with the Sequim School District to aid in planning, managing and performing vision and hearing screening. His efforts saw the Lion’s able to find $10,000 in matching grant funds to purchase $20,000 in screening equipment used in both Clallam and Jefferson counties. David also helps with Sunshine, Irrigation and Lavender Festivals, and is on the executive board for the Irrigation Festival.

On Tuesday, February 28, at 11:30, the Citizen of the Year luncheon will take place at The Cedars at Dungeness. Sound Publishing is the Sunshine Sponsor of the event, and Terry Ward will present the award alongside Citizen of the Year committee chair Brown Maloney. Registration to attend the event is done through the Chamber of Commerce.