The Manni Awards ceremony will take place Friday, March 15, in City Hall/Memorial Hall, 606 Manitou Ave.
The evening starts with a potluck and music from Michael Galvin beginning about 5:15 p.m.; the ceremony will begin at 6:30.
If you can’t attend, the event will be streamed live at youtube.com/@manniawards.
Cody John Kelley, a dedicated learner and a passionate leader, believes serving his community is of the utmost importance. He will take his academic studies and his love for service and country even further as a member of the United States Air Force Academy class of 2028. In his free time, Cody enjoys being in the outdoors. Raised in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, outdoor activities like skiing, hunting and fishing are fundamental components of his life.
Ronnie Huery has worked for the city of Manitou Springs for nearly 23 years. He is the utilities supervisor and has no problem getting down in the trenches with his staff to fix and maintain the challenging water infrastructure here in our community. Ensuring residents and visitors have access to clear water is his priority, and Ronnie says the guidance and encouragement from his boss, the staff at Public Works and everyone at City Hall keeps him going!
Marcy Palmer is the executive director of the Ute Pass Board of Cooperative Educational Services, which is the supportive arm for all exceptional students, both gifted ones and children with special needs. An educator for more than 30 years, Marcy supports teachers, special service providers, children and families.
Marcus Medina is the owner of Marcus Electric, a successful local business supporting the “current” needs of our community. He is active on the Manitou Art Center Board of Directors and the Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage Board of Directors. In addition to running his business and supporting local boards, sponsoring events and being a community champion, he is the father of two and you will see him and his wife, Ana, throughout town frequenting our local retailers and restaurants.
Michelle Tomasik is an integral part of the Manitou Community Pantry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Dedicating her time to bringing in donations and support to feed locals, Chelle brings her whole heart, soul and generous spirit to this town. Whether she is giving her time to the pantry, volunteering at a local event, supporting a local business or setting up a fundraising potluck, “Chelle” is a word synonymous with “giving” in our community.
The Manitou Springs Arts Academy (1994-2023) partnered with Manitou Springs School District 14 to develop K-12 programming in the visual and performing arts for 29 years. This amazing nonprofit supported thousands of kids, offered hundreds of classes/programs and ensured that art, in all its forms, thrived and was available for all.
Miles Groth has been teaching in elementary schools in Colorado and Connecticut since 2008. He graduated from Colorado College with degrees in anthropology and southwest studies and later earned his master’s degree in elementary education. Miles is passionate about outdoor education and finding ways to connect students to the world around them. In 2023, he was a finalist for the State Teacher of the Year.
Justin and Katie Snyder have owned The Loft Espresso for three years. This year, they decided to expand into a larger space to accommodate the community. They work to provide an all-from-scratch menu, including the bagels they make fresh every day. Making food affordable to eat in Manitou is a top priority, as well as partnering with local vendors. They’re grateful for all the love they receive from the community. Being in Manitou Springs means the world to Justin and Katie.
Jane Squires is the Wellness Coordinator for Manitou Springs School District 14 and facilitates Partners for a Healthy Community. Raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for our district’s mental and physical health, Jane is a force for healing in difficult times. Coordinating monthly meetings for our community partners, she works to bridge gaps to connect resources and expertise to those who need it the most — all of us.
Sara and Ray Ferguson co-founded Happy Cats Haven in 2011 with a small group passionate about increasing feline survival in shelters. Through countless hours of time, energy and funding, they have saved thousands of felines, placing them in forever homes. Building HCH here was a choice that served a twofold purpose: setting the standard for feline rescue in El Paso County and beautifying a blighted corner. Funded 90 percent by individuals — many Manitou residents — Sara and Ferg say that a shelter like HCH could happen only in Manitou.