McMaster Heritage Award Celebrates 20 Years

The McMaster Heritage Award, now in its 20^th year, honors a local citizen who, through volunteerism and service, has made a positive difference in the Kenmore community. Established in 2002 by the Kenmore Heritage Society, the award bears the name of John McMaster, the man who named Kenmore on January 10th, 1901.

The first award, presented in 2002, celebrated the community service of Ralph Swanson, founder of Plywood Supply. Of the 20 awards presented to date, six recipients have been women. Among the recipients have been local business owners, teachers, a minister, and citizens dedicated to serving the community.

KHS is proud to add these two citizens to its growing roster of outstanding Kenmore citizens to be recognized and honored with these special awards.

Normally presented in early February as part of the Kenmore Founder’s Day celebration, the 2021 award presentation is Covid-postponed to July 14, and will be presented to William (Bill) Leak at an outdoor ceremony at Rhododendron Park.

A longtime resident of Kenmore, Bill is being recognized for his community involvement, including being a founder and now the leading admin for Kenmore Neighbors, a Kenmore-specific Facebook site with nearly 8000 members. He is active in and has been chosen member of the month of Bothell/Kenmore Chamber. He is a leader in his neighborhood association, and is an active member of, and contributor to, the Kenmore Business Alliance. Bill participated on the Economic Development Community Advisory Committee (CAC) assisting with the development of Kenmore’s Economic Development Strategy, adopted in 2009.

Additionally, a new “Emerging Leader Award” has been established by KHS, to be presented annually to a young person demonstrating a commitment to our community through volunteerism and service. The 2021 award will be presented to Nathan Loutsis, a recent IHS graduate, now studying at UW.

Nathan is the first youth to join the Kenmore Planning Commission, to which he came well prepared for every meeting, making excellent comments, and speaking up often. He has held several leadership positions in the National Honor Society at Inglemoor High School and has also held Student Body offices. He has been an instructor and senior official in Northlake Little League, and a volunteer sergeant with the King County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Program.