Soaring in Service: Celebrating Our Largest Class of Eagle Award Honorees
At the 69th Annual Awards Banquet, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, and award sponsor, Mercantile Bank, honored 29 individuals from 30 nonprofit organizations and service clubs across the Mt. Pleasant area with a Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award. These award recipients are chosen by their service organization for “soaring” above in their dedication, service, and enthusiasm for the community and within their respective organizations.
These awards were renamed in 2024 in honor of Shirley’s legacy in Mt. Pleasant. For decades, she served as a devoted Board Member and Ambassador, tirelessly advocating for the Chamber’s mission and continually working to strengthen the bonds within our community, and in 1984, she was named the Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Learn about each of our 2025 Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award recipients below:
*All photos are courtesy of Dan Gaken
Art Reach of Mid Michigan
Danny McQuarters Jr.
Why do you support Art Reach of Mid Michigan?
McQuarters: “Art Reach has a very special place in my heart. The amount of work the team does that impacts so many people on the margins is so inspiring. The students, volunteers, teachers and staff all work tirelessly to provide opportunities for the community, and has become my second family.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region
Shawnnah Hannah
Why do you love volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Hannah: “Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters has shown me how powerful consistency and a genuine connection can be. Getting to show up for a child each week and be someone they can trust is incredibly meaningful to me, and it’s shaped both who I am and the path I want to take moving forward.”
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
John B. Mitchell
Why are you passionate about the mission of CWC?
Mitchell: “Because the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is dedicated to protecting natural habitat and open space for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of all. This is the organization closest to my heart."
Clothing INC
Paul DeYoung
Why do you love volunteering for Clothing INC?
DeYoung: “It is a way for me to give back to the community that has supported our business for over 50 years.”
Christmas Outreach of Isabella County
Peggy Schuette
Peggy has “soared” above in her service through:
Peggy Schuette is General Manager of Merchandise Outlet. In this role she has served for many years as the best Christmas Elf for multiple departments of Christmas Outreach. For over 20 years, she has provided, at very low cost, many of the goodies in the Stockings. For the last 15 years, she has been the go to person for sheets and for gloves. Not only does she find and provide good deals, but she also provides delivery of these hundreds of items every year.
Community Cancer Services of Isabella County
Tina Powell
Why do you love supporting Community Cancer Services?
Powell: “Cancer has touched all of us in some way. I volunteer to help those that need support fighting this awful disease.”
Community Compassion Network
Carole Ford
Carole has “soared” above in her service through:
Carole Ford has been volunteering with Community Compassion Network from its early beginnings. She was the first director of the first ‘stationary pantry’ at the ‘Big Red Barn’ on Broomfield Road until it closed. Carole was also an integral part of establishing CCN’s ‘Backpack’ program to feed Isabella County elementary students on weekends. From establishing a ‘home’ at the Fancher School to moving it to the current location in the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center.
Friends of the Veterans Memorial Library
Sherry Powell
Sherry has “soared” above in her service through:
Dedicating hours of her time during the days of the book sales, prepping the space beforehand, supporting other volunteers during sorting days, and continuing to serve as the Director of the Board for a second two-year term.
Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County
Patrick Ebnit
Why do you love to support Habitat for Humanity?
Ebnit: “I love Habitat for Humanity because it's a hand up for people. Helping others to gain financial intelligence, stability and build wealth is a great way to spend my free time.”
HopeWell Ranch
Chester Mast
Why did you start volunteering for HopeWell Ranch?
Mast: “I saw it as an opportunity to be around horses and now everyone is like a family to me.”
Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
Louanna Bruner
Why are you passionate about Isabella Community Soup Kitchen?
Bruner: “I've always had a deep desire to help those in need. The Isabella Community Soup Kitchen has a huge connection with the community. By participating on the board, it has allowed me to gain a new perspective that can improve the well-being of those in need and a better understanding of their situations. My passion with the Soup Kitchen's mission has led me to other volunteer efforts such as quarterly food distributions partnered by the Lansing Food Bank and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. As a board member, it's allowed me to involve my children and the Tribal youth opportunities to volunteer with meals and their annual golf tournament.”
Isabella County Commission on Aging
Debbie Barker
Why do you love volunteering with Isabella County Commission on Aging?
Barker: “I love meeting the people and find it very gratifying to help them save money or get money back they didn't know they had coming.”
Isabella County Restoration House
Daniel Ellis
Why do you love to volunteer at the Isabella County Restoration House?
Ellis: “I was asked by my pastor at Family Church to be the liaison to Isabella County Restoration House to coordinate a week of volunteers from our congregation for both breakfast and dinners. I enjoyed working every morning and evening shift during that week so much, that I continued to volunteer after our week was done. I take residents to Family Church on Sunday mornings and have painted faces for the children at the shelter for special events. I enjoy getting to know the residents and listening to their stories.”
League of Women Voters Mt. Pleasant Area
Frances B. Lichtman
Why do you support the League of Women Voters?
Lichtman: “A well-functioning democracy depends on informed and active participation in government. I watch and summarize local government meetings because I believe that impartial updates on government actions empowers residents to engage effectively.”
LifeClinic - Mt. Pleasant
Claudia Maria Rey-Perry
What do you choose to volunteer with LifeClinic?
Rey-Perry: “Volunteering at LifeClinic has been fun and fulfilling. I consider myself lucky to have a firsthand look at the positive impact this wonderful team has on our community, providing free of charge services delivered with love and compassion to everyone that walks through their doors.”
Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant & Sleepy Dog Books Foundation
Marni Walker
Marni has “soared” above in her service through:
Marni Walker has been an active member of the 92 year old Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant since November 14, 2016. Her volunteerism speaks for itself as she has embodied the Kiwanis mission of "serving the children of the world.” Her commitment to efforts of child advocacy, youth literacy and supporting annual events like the Special Olympics Carnival is a testament toward service leadership.
Why are you passionate about literacy in our community?
Walker: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
McLaren
Daniel Boge
Why are you passionate about McLaren?
Boge: “McLaren is an incredible organization, and from being on the board for the past 16 years, I can see the immense impact it has had on our community. The partnership that was created when McLaren and Central Michigan Community Hospital came together has been a huge benefit to our community, which has expanded our resources, access, and ability to provide quality care. I am thrilled to have been part of such a great organization."
*Ryan Boge accepted the award on behalf of Daniel Boge.
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
Erin Ludwig
Why do you love giving back to our community?
Ludwig: “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
Mt. Pleasant Jaycees
Tiffany Eisenberger
Why do you support the mission of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees?
Eisenberger: “I’ve always believed that the strength of a community is measured by how we support one another, and giving back has been my way of contributing to the place that has given me so much. As Membership VP of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, I have the privilege of bringing young professionals together to create meaningful impact across the community. For over four years, I have also served on the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival Committee, coordinating volunteers and helping direct the funds raised to benefit schools, service organizations, and nonprofits throughout Isabella County. Both of these roles have given me the opportunity to connect with amazing people, strengthen our community, and make a difference where it matters most.”
Mt. Pleasant Lions Club
Nicole M. Ferguson
Why do you support the mission of the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club?
Ferguson: “My work with the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club is deeply personal. Through the Michigan Lions Foundation, we help restore access to hearing for individuals who are underinsured and often overlooked. My involvement with the Michigan Lions Bear Lake Deaf & Hard of Hearing Camps reflects my commitment to supporting youth with hearing loss. Serving alongside Lions means showing up for others, meeting real needs, and truly living out ‘We Serve.’”
Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club
Amy C. Powell
Why do you volunteer with the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club?
Powell: “Volunteering has been an important part of my life, as far back as I can remember. I love helping the community with like-minded friends. Rotary is an incredible organization that allows me to help in meaningful ways locally, that often reach globally.”
Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant
Mike Sobolewski
Mike has “soared” above in his service through:
Mike has spent 10 years working in the public schools as a tutor for Native American students, then the next 10 years as director of the College Opportunity Program at West Midland Family Center, part of which involved volunteering with high school students all over Michigan. Still with WMFC but now in marketing and fund development, he always looks for ways to make an impact for youth in our community. He has volunteered with the Broadway Theatre, Young Professionals Network, Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, and now the Optimist Club of Mt Pleasant!
People Helping People of Isabella County
Elmo Walton
Why are you passionate about giving back to our community?
“No one should go hungry in my city, so I am making the world better, one sandwich at a time.”
R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc.
Barbara B. Dixon
What do you choose to volunteer with R.I.S.E. Advocacy?
Dixon: “After I retired, I knew it was time for me to "give back", and so I looked for some meaningful volunteer work. RISE (then Women's Aid Service) was first on my list as I had known many of the former board members, and contributed to their fundraisers and to their mission. I thought my administrative and fund-raising skills might be useful to the organization and fortunately, they agreed. Through the past eight years on the board, I cherish the good times, difficult times, especially helping those in need, and working with amazing women. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of R.I.S.E.”
Scouting America, Michigan Crossroads Council
Stanley R. Finch
Why are you passionate about Scouting America?
Finch: “Working with Boy Scout Troop 604 and Cub Scout Pack 3628 has created a passion in me for guiding them as they grow into confident, capable leaders. The time I spend with them reminds me why service matters.”
Special Olympics Michigan
Steve Thompson
Why do you love Special Olympics?
Thompson: “I have spent over 45 years working to improve the Special Olympics State Games experience for athletes. It is incredibly rewarding to provide sports competition for athletes that highlight their abilities. I have had the tremendous privilege of working with and representing the Games Committee for both Winter and Summer Games. These are the individuals that really make the games special for the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and parents.”
The Care Store
Bethany LeViere
Why do you support the mission of The Care Store?
LeViere: “The Care Store's mission of providing dignity and helping people with a hand up instead of a handout matches my beliefs about giving back, but also focusing on reaching a long-term solution. I have enjoyed getting to know Julia and appreciate her passion and hard work for people in our community.”
The William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center
Jill Bourland
Why do you support the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center?
Bourland: “I have been actively involved since the inception of the William & Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center in 2019. I am honored to have played a role in its initial formation, including establishing foundational policies and procedures. Beyond helping to fill and maintain the building, I have worked to educate the community to clarify the Center’s mission and how it is separate and different from each of the nonprofits housed within the facility. As I transition away from the board, I am proud to leave the organization in very capable hands, confident that it will continue to flourish.”
*Nicole Mozurkewich accepted the award on behalf of Jill Bourland.
Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant
Jordan Ensing
Why are you passionate to serve with the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant?
Ensing: “Zonta's advocacy for women and children, and overall human rights, is what drew me to the club. I love that I am able to be a part of local, statewide, and national campaigns that make the world and my community a better place. This year, I am excited to help our club put on a successful panel about women in the Mt. Pleasant community, continue our relationship with a sister club in Bulgaria, put on another Applefest, and so much more.”
Learn about past Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award winners here.