The 2023 Holland Social Justice Awards Winners: Back Row, pictured from left to right: Wayne Klomparens – Lifetime Achievement; Ricki Levine/Holland Museum – Education; Christine Plummer – Health Services; Deborah Sterken – Lifetime AchievementPictured Front Row, left to right: Yanyssa Ochoa – Youth Award; Sarah Leach – Government/Community Relations; Lucia Rios – Accessibility. (photo courtesy City of Holland, Michigan)

Holland Names Annual Social Justice Award Winners

by Gary Stevens

HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 19, 2024) – Six persons and one entity were honored before Wednesday’s Holland City Council meeting by winning the city’s 2023 Social Justice Awards.

Sarah Leach of the Holland Sentinel, Christine Plummer of City on a Hill Ministries, Disability Inclusion series co-editor Lucia Rios, Holland High student Yanyssa Ochoa, Friendship House creator Debroah Sterken, and former Holland City Councilman Wayne Klomparens were cited for their contributions in promoting equal opportunity and access. Over the past 25 years, over 100 individuals and organizations have earned Social Justice Awards.

Esther Fifelski is the city’s Human and International Relations Manager.