2025 Community Excellence Awards presented to outstanding contributors

Published on March 31, 2025

(Top row, l-r: Stirling Myles, Olivia Kato, Travis Mitchell, Faye Medley and Peyton Kerry. Bottom row: Kailani Jackson, Eileen Ahlquist and Sarah Hinds.)

At a recent ceremony, the City of Gainesville recognized area individuals for outstanding contributions to Gainesville’s quality of life with the presentation of the 2025 Community Excellence Awards. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, together with the Public Recreation & Parks Board; Nature Centers Commission; Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust; and the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board hosted the ceremony March 27 at the Historic Thomas Center.

The Public Recreation and Parks Board presented the Albert “Ray” Massey Citizen Volunteer Award to Roderick Malone for his time and energy to promote and/or improve recreational activities in the City of Gainesville.

In recognition of positive contributions to Gainesville’s natural environment, the Nature Centers Commission presented the Star Volunteer Award to Faye Medley, George Roman, and Olivia Kato.

Eileen Ahlquist was presented with the Amy Carpus Lifetime Achievement Award for making significant, impactful and enduring contributions to conserving Gainesville’s natural resources.

The Green Business Award was presented to Bee Good Landscape for consistently demonstrating exceptional environmental practices and providing support through service projects that better Gainesville’s parks.

Recognizing a business that has contributed significantly to the arts by offering and sponsoring art programs and events, the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board presented the Business Arts Awards to Stirling Myles.

The Gainesville Art in Public Places Trust was presented the Public Art Award to Sarah Hinds for her contribution to public art in the community. She also was presented with the Individual Arts Award for contributing significantly to the arts in the city.

Lastly, the Emerging Artist Arts Award was presented to Kailani Jackson as a promising emerging artist in the community.