2010 Meritorious Service Award Winner, Tammy Skubinna
From left; Peter Sekermestrovich, Rotarian & president, Benton County Foundation; Tammy Skubinna; Kristy Pribyl, administrator, Benton County Foundation and presenter from Altrusa International, Inc. of Corvallis, Oregon
Presentation by Kristy Pribyl on behalf of Altrusa International, Inc. of Corvallis, Oregon
“In January 2009 Helen Hansen called the Benton County Foundation office and invited me to a lunch meeting of Altrusa International, Inc. of Corvallis whose mission is to promote literacy, families especially women and international relationships. Those of you who know Helen can vouch for me when I say, ‘You really can’t tell Helen Hansen, ‘No Thank You’. I did join the club and have not regretted the invitation. And because of Helen, I’m here today along with other members (Altrusans please raise your hands), on behalf of the Corvallis Altrusa Club to proudly introduce the 2010 Rotary Meritorious Service Award winner, Tammy Skubinna.
Having just retired this winter, Tammy has worked tirelessly over the last 26 years to enrich the lives of Benton County Youth, both as an outstanding Benton County 4-H agent and as a community volunteer. Tammy has devoted her boundless energy to empowering our youth. She has touched the lives of thousands of children through her involvement in the creation of programs such as the Night Court program in the late1990s, Know Your County Government Day, the county Youth Commission that currently involves youth from all Benton County high schools, development of curriculum and oversight the regional 4-H camps and lately by increasing the diversity within the 4-H program.
Tammy has left a legacy of youth who have gained the knowledge and self confidence to be the best that they can be in whatever they pursue. She takes interest in each of the children that she has mentored and follows their careers even after they leave Benton County. Tammy emails, writes letters and visits the youth whose lives that she has touched and is often asked to attend graduations, weddings and special occasions. Many who have participated in her 4-H clubs come back to be 4-H leaders as adults. As the 4-H agent, she worked extremely long hours during the many years of the Benton County Fair (many more hours than the job required) to make sure each participant had what they needed to compete or received that special pat on the back or a hug when they did well or when they lost a competition.
Tammy has spent many hours working for those who are from underprivileged backgrounds or whose life situations have put them at risk. She has successfully written many grants for the growth and development of the youth of Benton County. She helped establish a yearly Altrusa International of Corvallis scholarship for Latina girls who do well academically in high school but who may not have the financial ability to afford college or professional training.
We Altrusans cannot think of a better person to receive the 2010 Rotary Meritorious Service Award and will celebrate this recognition of Tammy Skubinna’s exceptional efforts to enrich the lives of Benton County youth.”
Altrusans from left; (front) Tammy Skubinna, Jeanetter Maier, Donna Allen,(former Rotarian and Benton County Foundation board of director); (Back) Kristy Pribyl
The award is administered by the Benton County Foundation and has been awarded since 1990 to someone who has worked to enrich the lives of children. The first winner was Bev Larson of Old Mill Center; last year’s winner was Marilyn Starker. The names of winners are engraved on a statue in the Reading Room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.