Chihak: Others see what we've known all along
La Monica works hard - for others
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| La Monica Everett-Haynes |
Her fellow journalists
would describe higher- education reporter La Monica Everett-Haynes as quiet,
determined, intelligent.
These qualities are what
in her peers' minds mark her presence in the Tucson Citizen newsroom, and they
are manifest in her work as published on the Web site and the pages of the Citizen
day in and out.
But it's La Monica's underlying
passion - and compassion - for other human beings that makes the difference.
That passion has now been exposed for all the community to see.
Last month, La Monica
was named winner of the Brig. General Ronald L. Kurth Award as a member of the
Greater Tucson Leadership class of 2007.
It's a vivid example of
how Citizen staff members are part of the community, and it demonstrates how
volunteerism and other involvement can make our work as journalists more relevant
and rewarding.
The Kurth award is named for a now-deceased commander of the Arizona Air
National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson.
It goes to the GTL class
member "who has made, and has the potential to
make, the most substantial contribution to the Tucson community." Classmates
select the winner.
La Monica was one of 33
Tucson-area residents enrolled in GTL's spring session. The class spent all day
every other Friday over 20 weeks delving into a broad range of topics.
One whole
day was spent on social services, and the information engaged La Monica's heart,
spirit and intellect.
Afterward, she wrote a
note to thank GTL Executive Director Lea Marquez-Peterson for helping arrange
the discussion.
"Since the start of this program, I have been hungry for this deep conversation
and questioning about our responsibilities as humans living on this planet," she
wrote. "It is critical that we, as leaders and as community members, never forget
our responsibility to aid others."
Then she walked the talk.
La
Monica contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson and volunteered to be a big
sister. She now mentors and is building a friendship with 11-year-old Vanessa.
It's not her first foray into community service, though. La Monica helped
to organize a local nonprofit that provides educational support and scholarships
to African-American children in Tucson.
Her actions reward her and benefit the Citizen, its readers and all of Tucson.
●
Citizen metro columnist Anne Denogean has won a new honor for reporting
and writing.
The Arizona Medical Association last week presented her with a Distinguished
Service Award for her efforts "to bring health care issues and patient experiences
to public attention."
Anne was the only journalist among 12 people who won the association's annual
award.
She covered health care for the Citizen before becoming a columnist in
2005, a position that still allows her to delve into health and medical issues.
Reach Michael A. Chihak at 573-4646 or mchihak@tucsoncitizen.com.