With his five daughters by his side, the Reverend Wayne Foote holds the recognition presented to him by State Representative Gary McDowell Thursday evening, May 15. The document notes Rev. Foote’s contributions to St. Ignace and is signed by Mr. McDowell, State Senator Jason Allen, and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Attending the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at Little Bear East Conference Center were (from left) Judy Wyse, Jessica Davis, Representative McDowell, Reverend Foote, Jeanne Litzner, Jacque Ward, Janet Peterson, and Rod Nelson, Mackinac Straits Hospital CEO.

The Reverend Wayne Foote was named the 2008 St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year for his dedication and deep commitment to the citizens of the community. He also received special recognition from Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jason Allen, and Representative Gary McDowell.

The honor was announced at the Chamber's annual banquet Thursday, May 15, at Little Bear East Conference Center.

Heather and Rob Aukeman and Audrey Wyers were also recognized for their contributions to the community during the dinner program. Those honored were selected by members of the Chamber of Commerce.

About 100 people who attended the event also were given a preview of three new programs planned for this summer in St. Ignace, including a guided walking tour, a historydriven trolley ride, and a community education contest designed for business owners and employees.

Mackinac Straits Hospital CEO Rod Nelson, in his

Recognized for their enthusiasm and support of St. Ignace, Rob and Heather Aukeman, owners of B.C. Pizza in St. Ignace, were presented with the Community Spirit Award by the Chamber of Commerce.

introduction, said Rev. Foote has been an advisor, a promoter of the new hospital, and offered counsel to hospital employees.

"As a true ambassador of St. Ignace," read Mr. Nelson from the document signed by the three lawmakers, "anyone would immediately learn of his love of the water, his knowledge of the history of the Mackinac Bridge, his concern for the people of St. Ignace, and his ability to convince anyone that this is the most beautiful and best community in the nation."

In 1952, Wayne Foote established Glen Memorial Baptist Church in St. Ignace, where he served for 29 years. He and his late wife, Margot, have five daughters and were involved in youth work, Sunday school, music, and preaching. Rev. Foote served on the school board for more than 20 years, has helped build church buildings, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He is a member of the Lions Club, a board member of the Moses Dialysis Unit, serves on the hospital's long term care committee, and is a faithful St. Ignace Saints sports fan.

"I really wasn't going to be here tonight," said Rev. Foote, taking the microphone, "but somebody said, 'We've got a free ticket.'"

"I thank God for the privilege of living in a place like this," he said, noting the importance of living in a small, caring community that offers support and includes people who know and share each other's lives through good and difficult times.

"Thanks for the ticket," he said.

For her volunteer work and community service, LaSalle High School senior Audrey Wyers of St. Ignace received the Student Citizen Award from the Chamber of Commerce. She also was awarded the $500 Ambassador's Scholarship for her academic achievements, which include a 4.08 grade point average. The daughter of Ann Wyers of St. Ignace and Dan Wyers of Sault Ste. Marie, she plans to attend Alma College in the fall. Miss Wyers is pictured with her mother, Ann.

Heather and Rob Aukeman, who own B.C. Pizza in St. Ignace, received the Community Spirit Award for the enthusiasm and dedication they have shown to the community, churches, schools, and organizations. They participate in community activities and provide fundraising opportunities for community groups.

"As young adults, they have put their blood, sweat, and tears into their business," said Chamber President Cheryl Schlehuber in presenting the award. "They have volunteered their time; they have given to others. They are what it takes to be successful."

Mrs. Aukeman is a member of the Downtown Development Authority.

The couple have a young daughter and are expecting their second child in October.

Audrey Wyers, a LaSalle High School senior, was given the Student Citizen Award, recognizing her volunteer contributions to the community.

She donated 270 hours in community service during her four years of high school. She has been a member of the St. Ignace school bands, the youth advisory council, and Vista. Her charity work has included helping with clothing drives, a blanket project for needy children, and the animal shelter. She has tutored students after school and has offered dance instruction.

She has been a 4-H summer camp councselor and was a member of the cross country team. She is a member of the dance program of Cheboygan Arts Council. She has attended music camp at both Interlochen Center For the Arts and Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp for dance and music. In the University of Michigan's recording camp, she composed, recorded, and produced a music video.

She plans to attend Alma College and would like to pursue a career in dance and music.

She also was named the Ambassador Scholarship winner and received $500 toward her college education. Miss Wyers, said award presenter Joanne Ford, earned a more than four-point grade point average as a student at LaSalle. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

Miss Wyers is the daughter of Ann Wyers and Dan Wyers.

Each table for the dinner was decorated by an area business and the Glen Memorial Baptist Church Saints Alive Youth Group cleared the tables.

Food for the evening was provided by local businesses, which set up stations around the conference center, offering samples of their various dishes.