The Blazers and Bank of America are excited to announce the recipients of the third-Annual Hero Awards.

Bank of America and the Blazers honored ten heroes from communities all over Oregon and Southwest Washington at the Blazers vs. Lakers game on April 14. The individuals were chosen from more than 500 nominees based on their efforts to enhance their communities.

The ten heroes were awarded $500 to a program of their choice, received a $100 savings bond from the Bank of America, and were honored during the Lakers game. Each award winner was nominated and carefully selected due to his/her efforts in their communities and for displaying the tenants of the program.

These tenants are Enthusiasm, Respect, Knowledge, Patience and Encouragement.

2003-2004 BANK OF AMERICA HERO AWARD WINNERS:

Dan Hopkinson, Grants Pass, Oregon.
Nominated by: Heidi Iverson. Hopkinson works in a dialysis unit in Grants Pass and is frequently in contact with frail and elderly patients. He is also a volunteer firefighter and an EMT. Hopkinson coaches their soccer teams and is actively involved in his children’s after school activities.

Sally Wilson, Sutherlin, Oregon.
Nominated by: Jennifer Robinson. Wilson is the physical education teacher at Sutherlin Middle School and has been for 22 years. Throughout her career she has influenced the paths of those who were lost, and warmed the hearts of the incorrigible. According to her nominee, Jennifer Robinson, she touches the life of each and every student and staff member who walks through the halls of SMS.

Dr. Steven Shimotakahara, Coos Bay, Oregon.
Nominated by: Eva Germaine-Shimotakahara. Dr. Shimotakahara is a knowledgeable, highly trained head and neck cancer surgeon / ear nose and throat specialist decided to offer his services free of charge to those people in Oregon who fall between the cracks in health care.

Zachary Smalls, Tacoma, Washington.
Nominated by: Laurie Farley. According to Farley, Officer Zach Smalls enthusiasm and dedication to the kids in his non-profit program “Zee Speed” is truly astonishing. He displays patience and encouragement to the youth in the program, transforming them into young adults and a bright future.

Noah Sachs, Salem, Oregon.
Nominated by: Joe Johnson. As a 3rd grade student at Grant Community School, Sachs raised over $20,000 last year for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Foundation. He thanked all of the donors with personalized thank you cards to each donor. Noah is now in the 4th grade at Grant Community School.

Mathew Shaw, Springfield, Oregon.
Nominated by: Karen Shaw. Shaw is the ultimate big brother. During rough times, Shaw’s sister turned to drugs and battled through some tough times. During these patient times, he stuck by his sister and introduced her to sports and other recreations. He attended each of her functions with enthusiasm and encouragement and makes time for counseling. He remains a huge supporting role for his sister.

Jim Hendricks, Pendleton, Oregon.
Nominated by: Toni Eddy. Hendricks, a retired businessman, started a program called “Shoe Souls”. Through which he provides encouragement to many children and families providing shoes to children in need when parents can’t afford them. Jim has a huge respect for the dignity and self esteem of these families and remains anonymous to all who benefit from his generosity.

Marlon Irving, Portland, Oregon.
Nominated by: Jo Ann Tsohonis. Irving is a teacher at Jefferson High School. His contributions include being involved in his community through his music as a member of Lifesavas. He shows respect to himself, his family, and his community through the lyrics of his songs. Irving wants to provide an alternative to the music that many young people listen to by presenting social issues that involve his community and the state of the world.

Jim Wolf, Salem, Oregon.
Nominated by: Kim Larson. Wolf is a member of the Marion County Victim Assistance Division. For the past eight years he has donated thousands of hours to ensure victims’ voices are heard and recognized within the criminal justice system. His respect and compassion for those with whom he works is apparent in his sincere and impassioned advocacy on behalf of those injured by crime regardless of their circumstance or position.

Tim and Darlene Baker, Springfield, Oregon.
Nominated by: Jill Hollingsworth. In 2000 the Bakers began volunteering for Looking Glass Youth and Family Services in Eugene. They helped develop a youth suicide prevention program and volunteered to share their story with thousands of students in Lane County. Their work in Lane County is a result of a heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Jennifer, who died by suicide in 1997.