View all past recipients of the Ruhkala Community Service Awards, from the original honorees in 1999 to the present day.

Individual or Couple Award Recipients

2025 – Rula Khatib

A pillar of generosity and community spirit, Rula Khatib is known for turning compassion into action. As a longtime supporter and board member of the Rocklin Public Safety Foundation and contributor to the Rocklin Police Activities League, Rula exemplifies what it means to uplift others—often behind the scenes, without seeking recognition. Beyond her philanthropic support, she’s also made her restaurant a community hub, hosting fundraisers for local schools and sports teams, and providing food for ceremonies honoring law enforcement. From coaching youth soccer to quietly helping families in need, Rula’s impact radiates throughout Rocklin.

2025 – Debra Leonard

A third-generation Rocklin resident, Debra (Debi) Leonard has dedicated over 5,000 hours in volunteer service, embodying compassion, integrity, and tireless commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our city. Since graduating from the Rocklin Police & Fire Volunteer Academy in 2008, Debi has been a cornerstone of numerous public safety efforts. From patrolling neighborhoods and enforcing parking regulations to leading child safety initiatives like the Buckle Up Baby program, Debi’s contributions span over 16 years of selfless service. She’s an active member of the Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT), a past board member of the Rocklin Public Safety Foundation, and a recognizable face at nearly every major city event. Her Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Rocklin Police Unit Award in 2024 are testaments to her profound impact on our city.

2024 – Robin Trimble

Robin has served as the CEO of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce for nearly nineteen years. Robin oversees all facets of the organization including staff management, government relations, fundraising, member recruitment and the operating budget. Robin has increased memberships to 575 members, making it the second largest chamber in Placer County. She has solidified the Chamber’s financial position, increasing annual corporate support by more then 500% and is in charge of organizing the Hot Chili, Cool Cars event year after year.

2023 – Alan Wing

Alan Wing has been an active member of the Rocklin community since 2005. Alan became a Patrol Volunteer after successfully completing the Rocklin Police Citizen Volunteer Academy and has been serving the Rocklin community for nearly two decades.

Despite holding a full-time job, Alan has collected over four-thousand volunteer hours and was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. He has served at key traffic locations during Run Rocklin races and is a member of the Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT).

2022 – Twiana Armstrong

Twiana Armstrong serves as the current chairperson for the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission for City of Rocklin, which is responsible for promoting and preserving park lands and open spaces among other items. She also volunteers her time towards organizations such as Professional Business Women of California, and serves as the co-chairperson at Leadership Rocklin, which helps participants to develop leadership skills and provides networking opportunities with members of the community.

Other volunteer services Armstrong is a part of include being a board member at Stand-Up Placer, serving as a chair-member for the Cultural Advisory Council and volunteering towards efforts for Rocklin High’s Black Student Union.

“Twiana gives every minute of every day in service to the city of Rocklin,” Armstrong’s nominator told Rocklin. “I have yet to meet someone who attends all the meetings, events, awards, organizations and info sessions as she does.”

2021 – Stuart Lehman

Since 2006, Lehman has given more than 5,000 hours of community service, acting as an additional set of eyes and ears for the Rocklin Police Department. He has dedicated his Monday nights to patrolling Rocklin streets as a member of the volunteer patrol team and worked alongside officers and staff to assist in DUI checkpoints, lost or missing persons cases, accidents, and any other situation where his help is needed.

For the past 10 years, Lehman has also led the organization of logistics for Patriot Day, a City event honoring our military and first responders.

2021 – Staci Bier

Staci’s Helping Hands was born in 2017 when Rocklin resident Staci Bier took on leadership of a small charitable group and decided to run a food pantry out of her apartment.. Staci’s Helping Hands has grown into an online community with more than 2,500 members, who regularly provide food and baby products to those in need, and deliver meals and gifts during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

2020 – Wendy Smith

Wendy Smith has worked tirelessly for Rocklin over the past 31 years, giving extensively of her personal time and finances in various ways, including “Story Time at the Station,” Rocklin Patriot Day, Bayside’s annual Mexico missions trip, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Tea and Fashion Show, as well as volunteering with many groups and organizations.

2019 – Nancy Lohse

Nancy Lohse is a vital part of the Rocklin Historical Society, representing and running Old St. Mary’s Chapel, as well as founding the Rocklin Historical Society Scholarship. She has also volunteered for Run Rocklin for over 15 years and coordinated several toy and coin drives with local schools.

2014 – Vicki & Hall Curtis

2013 – Gary Day, Jill & Dan Gayaldo

2012 – Greg Fairrington

2011 – Lynne Sully & Kisar Singh

2010 – Bryce Jessup

Bryce Jessup has given back to Rocklin in immense ways, as President Emeritus of William Jessup University, as a volunteer pastor and mentor, as chair of the board for Agape International Missions, and through fundraising work for William Jessup and other organizations.

2009 – David & Connie Cullivan

2008 – Larry Osborne

2007 – Mary Hansen

2006 – Billy Radakovitz

Billy Radakovitz was offered the Officer Matt Redding Award (Special Award) for his efforts in coordinating and overseeing the Woodside Neighborhood entryway renovation project.

2005 – Mary Jo Edmondson

Mary Jo Edmondson has dedicated herself to serving the Rocklin community, especially with her work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Placer Valley Sunrise Rotary Club.

2004 – Margie & John Lehmann

2003 – Camille Maben

2002 – Steve Paul

Steve Paul’s dedication and leadership to the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce played a role in the expansion of the Hot Chili, Cool Cars event. He also played an integral role in the construction of Whitney High School, and is currently the chairperson for the annual tree lighting event.

2001 – Glenda Mrozinski

2000 – Martha Totaro

1999 – Ray Johnson Family

1998 – Roy & Peggy Ruhkala (Original Recipients)

Business, Group, or Service Organization Recipients

2024 – Leadership Rocklin

The Leadership Rocklin program was established in 2003 and was designated towards training and assisting business owners in developing and refining their leadership skills. In addition, the program was formed to provide an opportunity to connect and establish long-lasting relationships with community leaders. Over 450 graduates have emerged from the program, with several of Rocklin’s current Councilmembers being graduates as well. Awards Commissioner Susan Wilson accepted the award on behalf of the program and gave several remarks on the success of Leadership Rocklin.

2023 – Sierra College Foundation

The Sierra College Foundation has supported the needs of its students for nearly fifty years. Sierra College has worked tirelessly to assist students with housing and other basic needs and provide underprivileged students with access to scholarships and financial aid. The work of the Foundation has helped Sierra College become known as a one of the best places for veterans to study and get reacclimated to civilian life. They are also well-known for their foster youth programs, providing students with extra support to complete their college education.

2022 – Rocklin Lost and Found Pets

Losing pets is always a stressful moment in pet owners’ lives, and for the last ten years Kimberly Hall, founder of Rocklin Lost and Found Pets (RLFP), has worked tirelessly to find missing pets around the city. This service organization not only spreads awareness for pets that are lost but also towards animals that have been abandoned or are without a home. The service will set humane traps and gather search parties, night or day, to take care of Rocklin’s animals. “Their unyielding dedication to the helpless lost fur babies in this community has reunited untold families with their beloved pets,” RFLP’s nominator said. “They do of this at their own expense. Their unyielding dedication to the helpless lost fur babies in this community has reunited untold families with their beloved pets. They are always there. Every single time.”

2021 – Compassion Planet

Since 2013, Compassion Planet has mentored and supported aged-out foster youth and youth from at-risk backgrounds, helping them overcome personal obstacles and become independent and employable. Compassion Planet also provides three nonprofit businesses in the Rocklin community in which the youth receive paid work experience, including Deer Creek Farm, DCF Garden & Market and the Compassion Thrift Shop.

2020 – Allegiant Giving

Allegiant Giving supports today’s heroes and tomorrow’s leaders by serving veterans, students, and athletes. This service organizations supports veterans and their spouses through education, employment, and entrepreneurial programs, one of which is the Rocklin Residents Unite for Fido (RUFF) Healing Heroes initiative.

2019 – Bach to Rock Music Academy

This local music school gives back to the community in a variety of ways, including supporting fundraisers and providing free student band and DJ services to events. Bach to Rock also is heavily involved with the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce, donating to the Chambers Adopt a Family program and hosting the Sunrise with the Chamber networking event.

2014 – Rocklin Public Safety Volunteers, Inc.

2013 – Kiwanis Club of Rocklin

2012 – Whitney High School Junior ROTC

2011 – Rotary Club of South Placer, Rotary Club of the Rocklin/Loomis Basin

2010 – Gerry Lyons, Wave Communications

2009 – Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce

2008 – William Jessup University

2007 – Friends of the Library

The Rocklin Friends of the Library was established in 1982, and has supported and promoted the Rocklin Library since. Their efforts have helped to procure and renovate Rocklin’s library facilities, bolster the County library’s collection, and support programming locally.

2006 – Tri-City Little League

2005 – Rocklin High School Thunder Galleria

2004 – Safeway (Granite Drive), Safeway (Sunset Boulevard), Albertsons (Pacific Street), Bel Air (Sunset Boulevard), Food Source (Stanford Ranch Road)

2003 – Randy & Lisa Peters (Venita Rhea’s Restaurant), Carl Krause (Hacienda Del Roble Restaurant)

2002 – Rocklin Historical Society

2001 – Teen Center Committee

2000 – Original Thirteen Friends of the Library

1999 – Rocklin Lions Club

1998 – Roy & Peggy Ruhkala (Original Recipients)

Youth Award Recipients

2025 – Finley Phelps

At just 10 years old, Finley Phelps is making waves with her mission to spread kindness across Rocklin schools. After spearheading a successful fundraiser to bring a Buddy Bench to Valley View Elementary, Finley expanded her efforts, launching a website and pitching her campaign to school principals across the district. Her initiative has sparked a wave of kindness movements, and she continues to advocate for inclusive spaces for kids to find friendship and support. From visiting fire stations and hospitals to collecting supplies for fire victims, Finley’s heart for helping others shines brightly.

2024 – Boy Scouts of America

2022 – Luke Vellutini

Luke Vellutini, a junior at Rocklin High School, is an outstanding case on what it means to dedicate one’s time and service to the Rocklin community. Vellutini serves on the Executive Board of The Residential Hermès, a local nonprofit that offers marketing services to local businesses. He is also the founder of the Waste Management Association at Rocklin High School, and has organized several events to reduce trash in local parks. Between these two organizations and going to school full time (where he offers tutoring services 2-3 times per week), Vellutini is also an active member in the Rocklin Boy Scout Troup 349, where they are beginning a project that will build benches and provide landscaping services to local teen group homes.

2019 – Julia Shohbozian​

Julia Shohbozian is a board member of the Rocklin Historical Society (RHS) and a vital part of the RHS Rocklin Speaker Series. She participates in the “Voices of the Passed” living history cemetery tours and aids on the St. Mary’s Chapel committee.

2014 – Granite Oaks & Spring View Middle Schools

2012 – Victory High School Interact Club​

2011 – Students of Rocklin Elementary School, Students of Valley View Elementary School

Pioneer Award Recipients

2025 – Kathy Magnuson

A volunteer since 2003, Kathy Magnuson has made decades-long contributions to Rocklin’s safety and youth outreach efforts. As the lead on the Child ID program and the Lunchtime with the Law initiative, Kathy has built trust and joy between law enforcement and students. She’s also played key roles in starting Neighborhood Watch programs, managing volunteer stats, and staffing dozens of city events. Outside of her volunteer uniform, Kathy’s legacy includes her decades of charitable work, from launching community Thanksgiving dinners in the ’80s to advocating for firefighter welfare during emergencies. Her Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition by Placer Law Enforcement Agencies are just small acknowledgments of her tremendous legacy.

2025 – Kent & Anne Dazey

Over two decades ago, Kent and Anne Dazey took a bold stand to protect Rocklin’s historical core. When PG&E proposed installing high-voltage towers through downtown, the Dazey’s legally challenged the utility, risking personal assets to preserve the future of Old Town Rocklin. Their successful advocacy forced power lines underground, preserving both safety and historical integrity. Longtime members of the Rocklin Historical Society, Kent and Anne’s efforts laid a foundation for revitalizing Rocklin’s historic downtown and maintaining its charm for future generations.

2024 – David Baker

David Baker is the driving force behind the preservation of Rocklin’s historic artifacts and buildings including the History Museum. David’s passion for preserving the history of Rocklin is inspirational. David was instrumental in the establishment of the Rocklin Tree Lighting, the preservation of St. Mary’s Chapel and has been a strong advocate in recognizing Chinese and Native American residents in Rocklin history.

2023 – Gloria Beverage

Gloria Beverage is a prime example of what it means to love the community you live in. After moving to Rocklin in 1987, she wrote Rocklin-based articles for the Placer Herald. She currently serves on the board of the Rocklin Historical Society (RHS), designing rotating displays and publishing articles for their newspaper, the Quarry Quarterly. Gloria has also served as a member of the Rocklin Friends of the Library (RFL) for many years. Not only does she assist with day-to-day projects at the Rocklin Library, she also helps manage the Little Free Library program in Rocklin. She founded the “Rocklin Reads” program, which supports and promotes local authors and bridged a partnership between the Historical Society and the Friends of the Library. Through her efforts of storing, pricing, and managing inventory for book sales, Gloria has succeeded in helping to raise thousands of dollars for the Rocklin library, all on a voluntary basis. 

2023 – Daniel Taylor

Daniel Taylor received the Pioneer Award for his strong leadership skills within community groups and his dedication to bettering his community through volunteerism. Daniel has been a member of the Rocklin Historical Society since 2017 and served on the Placer County Grand Jury for two years. He wore many hats at Rocklin High School, assisting the varsity baseball and basketball teams by running games and keeping score. He coached teams at Rocklin High’s summer camps and published Memory Books for coaches and teammates for nearly twenty years. To add to these efforts, Daniel also served as the Lion’s Club President (twice) and treasurer, and has been a member since 1972. 

2022 – Jer Jarrett

Jer Jarrett moved to Rocklin in 2002 and after several years of living here, missed the art scene she had been a part of in Los Galtos. In 2007, Jarrett met several local residents who also shared her passion for art and led the charge in creating “Art Matters” a fine arts club. This would transition to the Rocklin Fine Arts Board, which is responsible for promoting artistic appreciation throughout the city. Jarrett served seven years as lead coordinator for art exhibits at the Rocklin Library. Jarrett and Rocklin Fine Arts created exhibits for local business openings and annual City events and established several of Rocklin’s leading art shows, including the Open Juried Show and the Student Showcase. “Jer Jarrett’s efforts have brought fine arts to Rocklin” states Jer’s nominator. “Participants in the art meetings, art shows, workshops, activities, and exhibits are able to participate in art in many ways [thanks to Jer’s involvement]”

2021 – Kathie Nippert

Kathie Nippert has contributed over 15 years of service to Rocklin, and has been especially influential within the Rocklin Friends of the Library and The Rocklin Historical Society, contributing to numerous events and programs. Kathie’s dedication to learning the city’s history and immersing herself in different organizations shows a passion for the Rocklin community and evident in everything she does. Kathie is also a graduate of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Rocklin” program, volunteers for the annual “Run Rocklin” event, and even read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” during Rocklin’s virtual tree lighting ceremony in 2021.

2020 – Michael “Buck” Clark

Buck and his wife Dawn have dedicated countless hours to improving much of downtown Rocklin, supporting the schools, and preserving the history of Rocklin. In addition to empowering countless other residents to assist in the preservation and growth of the city, as the owner of M.S. Clark Roofing, Buck’s roofs can been seen on Old St. Mary’s Chapel, the Rocklin History Museum, the Firehouse, and many of the homes in downtown Rocklin.

2019 – Jean Day

Jean Day has long been one of Rocklin Historical Society’s strongest advocates, assisting with projects including constructing the Rocklin History Museum, restoring Old St. Mary’s Chapel, and developing museum archives since 2002. Day also developed the History Museum’s name index and is an expert on historical figures in Rocklin.

2019 – Mark Reimer

Riemer served Rocklin as the Director of Community Services and Facilities, managing the creation and maintenance of more than 25 City parks and various City buildings. In addition, he was a long term volunteer and coach for several teams and clubs, raising money for school programs and non-profits, and currently works as a substitute teacher while also serving on many boards and committees.

2014 – Jill Page

2013 – Peter Hill

2012 – Jerry Mitchell

2011 – Kathy Lund

Kathy Lund dedicated 30 years of service to Rocklin, serving as a Councilmember, Mayor, and member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Her major areas of focus were planning the growth of the city, transportation, and city parks. Lund also played a key role in many Rocklin projects, from park systems to the Safe Routes to School program, as well as many others.

2010 – Francine Yorde

2009 – Gay Morgan

2008 – Vince Amado (posthumously)

2008 – Ken Yorde

During his time as a council member and mayor, Ken Yorde helped save St. Mary’s Chapel, set up the Moon House on Rocklin Road, supported an urban forest and the oak tree preservation ordinance, and is a part of the South Placer Rotary and American Legion.

2007 – Long Time Volunteer Firefighters: George Magnuson, Mitch Henski, Harlin Smith, Lee Browning, & Larry Simmons

2006 – Dorothy Labudde

2005 – Roger Barkhurst & Don Neal

2004 – Marie A. Huson

Huson served the community as a financial analyst for the state of California, Rocklin City Clerk, interim City Manager, and City Councilmember. Huson was also a key leader in the formation of the Rocklin Historical Society, an advocate for oak tree preservation in Rocklin, and founder of the Rocklin “Clean Up Days” in partnership with Recology.

2003 – John & Carol Peterson

2002 – Hank & Connie Gayaldo

2001 – Steve & Judy Larsen

2000 – Will Linton

Will Linton was an outstanding citizen and leader in the Rocklin community for many years. Linton was a public school teacher while also serving as the president of the Rocklin Lions Club and the area chairman, served on City Council, and was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Loomis.

1999 – Stu Hardy & Joe Hernandez