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For Immediate Release
January 13, 2016
Renton Honors Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Citizens at
Upcoming Banquet
For more information contact:
Vicky Baxter, Renton Chamber of Commerce 425-226-4560
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, City of Renton 425-430-6569
Renton educator Jay Leviton as Citizen of the Year;
Outstanding Citizens Martin Patricelli and Rev. Dr. Linda Smith
RENTON: The City of Renton, Renton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Renton will honor Jay
Leviton as the 2015 Citizen of the Year and Martin Patricelli and Rev. Dr. Linda Smith as Outstanding
Citizens. These awards recognize their important contributions and unwavering dedication to the Renton
community.
“It is my privilege to recognize Jay Leviton as the 2015 Citizen of the Year and
Martin Patricelli and Rev. Dr. Linda Smith as Outstanding Citizens," said Mayor
Denis Law. “We are grateful for their unfailing commitment to make our city a
better place for everyone, and I am joined by the entire community in thanking
them for their tireless dedication.”
2015 Citizen of the Year Jay Leviton has served Renton students and families for
over 30 years as an educator and leader. Currently the Executive Director of
Career and Technical Education and Community Partnerships in the Renton
School District, Jay has served in many positions connected to education, among them as an educator at
Renton Vocational Technical Institute when it was part of the Renton School District; a principal at Sartori
Educator Center and Black River Alternative High School; and as a consultant with the state Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jay has been an ambassador for advancing vocational-technical
education and he has served on local, state and national boards in order to impact the quality of
education. Beyond his educational impact, Jay has also served state and local service organizations such
as Rotary, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics and the Renton Chamber of Commerce.
2015 Outstanding Citizen Martin Patricelli has served Renton by reaching the
youngest members of our community in meaningful ways. Martin has
participated in the City of Renton Summer Lunch program for over 20 years,
assisting with free lunches to schoolchildren when they need it most. Martin has
also spearheaded efforts to provide school supplies to children in need, and
Living Working Visiting Business Government Emergencies
Renton
https://old.rentonwa.gov/news/default.aspx?id=41875[2/22/2018 4:23:43 PM]
through his association with the Seafair Clowns, Martin has brought smiles and
laughter to many Truck or Treat Halloween events. Martin’s generosity and
community connection extends to adults as well, volunteering in the kitchen and
directing the kitchen crew for the Renton Thanksgiving Day dinner, and hosting appreciation dinners for
the Renton Police Department.
2015 Outstanding Citizen the Rev. Dr. Linda Smith’s passion is helping others and
Renton has benefited from her devotion. As founder of the REACH Center of
Hope, based at Renton City Hall, Rev. Smith began a lifeline for homeless women
and children as they make their journey from homelessness to stability. She is a
past chair of the City of Renton Human Services Advisory Committee and a
current board member of the Greater Church Council of Seattle and of the Margie
Williams Helping Hands Food Bank. As Senior Pastor at the SKY Urban
Empowerment and Transformation Center, Rev. Smith has been actively involved with the African-
American Pastoral Group that is cooperatively building a partnership with the City of Renton Police
Department to improve police-community relationships in Renton.
“Renton is fortunate to have such great individuals who lend their time and talents to enrich the lives of
others,” said Brent Camann, Past Chairman, Renton Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor to recognize
and celebrate them not only once a year, but every day.”
“Citizen of the Year gives us the opportunity to recognize the hard-working volunteers who help make
Renton a great community,” said Norma McQuiller, President, Renton Rotary.
The Citizen of the Year Banquet will be held on Friday January 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Renton Senior
Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave N. Information and banquet reservations are available at GoRenton.com
or by calling 425-226-4560.
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