Phil created an opportunity to bring kids to Denfeld for Black History Month celebration and It was an amazing experience for our son., He saw so many older kids he knows and admires from different schools, he was all in for the dance competition and talent show and had mature reflections on the experience and the diversity of the student body. It was such a meaningful experience for him - and we are incredibly grateful for Phil's creativity in making this happen - and his mentorship.

Phil is at Lowell again this school year as an Integration Specialist and has started a mentorship and leadership development curriculum called Guys with Ties that our son is involved with - and all the boys are anxious for their turn! Our son  is excited to talk about sportsmanship and respect and proud to learn about this with a meaningful mentor. In addition, he continues to work with kids and supervise a before school football and basketball opportunity. Just recently he emailed a few 5th grade parents to share positive feedback about our kids serving as role models, here is his quote about how they worked with a younger student having a hard time, "It was an awesome sight to see because I constantly preach to them the importance of being a role model and being nice to their peers especially because they are 5th graders. They definitely honored that this morning."

In addition to his impact with Lowell students, we have seen Phill's role in Denfeld Boys Basketball and experienced his encouragement and seen his selfless service for the youth and highschool players he coaches and supports. Phil is growing a positive culture in a program that impacts many lives.

Nominated by Linnea

Samantha is a mental health practitioner at Denfeld High School. She has been at Denfeld just over a year. Since coming to Denfeld, she has completely transformed the way we work with kids who struggle with attendance at school. Samantha has created a completely new and restorative program where she intervenes with kids that are struggling with attendance, pulls them into community by asking them to come to a circle and talk, then creates plans to meet kids where they are at to slowly and incrementally improve attendance. She works to break down barriers and support kids. Many kids have told me and Samantha and Samantha’s co-workers that, had it not been for Samantha, they would have dropped out. And the kicker? This isn’t Samantha’s Actual job. Her job at Denfeld is to be in the Den. The Den is a pre-referral program where, when kids are struggling, she pulls them in to support them so the struggle they are having doesn’t escalate to a situation that could lead to other consequences. Samantha is transforming the culture at Denfeld. She is amazing.

Nominated by Tanya

Helping develop our youth physically and mentally everyday. He’s an amazing remodel for young black kids in our community and takes every opportunity to help people when needed. He goes above and beyond whether it’s giving the shoes off his feet to the homeless or bringing kids anywhere they need to be to help their future. He always has a positive aura coming off of him and he continues to spend his days dedicated to God and bettering the future of Duluth.

Nominated Anonymously

Marlon is making a positive change by advocating for kids way beyond the classroom and school day.

I first got to know Marlon during the pandemic when remote teaching wasn't reaching some of his Lincoln Park Middle School students that were most at risk of falling out of reach. He went to extraordinary measures to make sure they continued learning: talking with his students' families and extended families, taking them to tutors, and being a consistent adult for the kids who really needed him. There may have been times when the kids wished they could slip out of sight and not be held accountable, but Marlon did not let that happen!

This continued when in-school learning resumed and he'd often stay late with students or to meet with families.

In addition to caring for kids, Marlon cares for the elderly. When his father-in-law was living with them, Marlon would do things like take him to his doctor's appointments and to watch his granddaughter's sports. Marlon would often wheel his father-in-law around softball fields and into gyms, sometimes through slow parking lots, doing whatever it took to get his father-in-law to the sidelines where both would proudly beam.

We're lucky to call the Grant family our neighbors and friends, and also know Marlon as an incredible dad to his daughter and role model for all her friends, including our daughter!

Nominated by Lori

Annie is a leader in her community. They work as the out of school time coordinator for Duluth Community School collaborative, with an office in Denfeld, and as students we could not be more grateful to have her. Every single day, Annie makes an active effort to create a safe space for EVERY student. She greets you with a smile, listens no matter what, and makes even the worst days just a little bit brighter. Annie is also an incredible changemaker, they use their voice to advocate for students who don’t have a way to make their voice heard, and fights to get youth voices in meetings and conferences about youth. She’s passionate, their love for everything they do motivates kids to be more outgoing, more creative, and more bold with their choices and opinions. Personally, Annie has motivated me beyond belief. Not only did she get me my first ever job, and believe in me, she gave me a space to share my passions and my voice. She got me involved in meetings where I got to talk with professionals and adults about things that matter. But the greatest thing that Annie has done for me, is taught me and many other youth to create peace, even when it’s hard. They’ve shown students that it’s possible to make change, and that someone will be there to hear you.

Nominated by Natylee, 16 years old

Creating a space where kids from all socio-economic backgrounds can access the gym to play basketball and gain skills.

Nominated by Kate

Dedicating her life to end gun violence, both here and nationally. Joan has worked to pass gun safety laws, served on the national Brady Board, and has a blog titled Common Gunsense.

Nominated by Marsha

Helen IS the positive change in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. She is a great connector and someone who truly cares about every person that she interacts with. I've seen her both during work and in her free time go to great lengths to support individuals. I always thought the phrase of 'giving someone the shirt off your back' was a metaphor, but Helen consistently supports people with her own means. There are hundreds of stories that I could tell that would speak to her character and commitment to the community, but I'll share only one for the sake of space.

It is pretty common knowledge that Duluth has many lead pipes throughout the town. These are causing serious health problems in our residents and especially our children. Helen's child was one of the residents who experienced problems from lead exposure. Helen was resilient and shared her family's story dozens of times to show the importance of mitigating lead pipes in our community. The result? The City of Duluth has begun removing lead pipes from our city's most underserved neighborhoods. Millions of dollars have been prioritized for the health of our residents. These investments would not have been possible without Helen's bravery in telling her harrowing story. Helen has received no recognition for her instrumental role in protecting the citizens of Duluth and yet, she is relentless in continuing to support the community. Even if she will continue to champion this community without recognition, I think she deserves to be celebrated for her unwavering commitment.

Nominated by Jennifer

They are making a change in more ways than I can count. They run a youth center where they help kids and families in a variety of ways. From tutoring, to career exploration, job placement, getting homeless youth off the streets, they are the youth liaison for the Duluth Police Department, run programs at AJC (kids in juvenile detention) and more. He also coaches football and holds these kids accountable on and off the field. He also has guardianship of a few youth whose parents have given up on them. This guy is single handedly changing what it means to be a community leader. I personally know no one more deserving!

Nominated Anonymously

Jonny is a remarkable community leader who embodies kindness, connection, and peace-building. As the Director of Healthy Living at the Downtown YMCA (the Y) and the jumping coach for the College of St. Scholastica’s (CSS) track team, Jonny shows up daily with a heart for connecting people throughout the Duluth area. His positive spirit, ability to build relationships, calming presence, and humble nature create a welcoming environment for all. His contagious smile and steady demeanor help to both diffuse conflicts on the basketball court as well as bring smiles to others' faces. Most of all, Jonny’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and supporting each person’s individual journey makes our Y, CSS, and our community a better place.

Jonny fosters meaningful connections with each person he meets, whether it’s a member seeking advice on their wellness journey, a student-athlete needing guidance, or an older adult looking for a friendly face and conversation. One story that stands out in my mind is Jonny’s mentorship of a young person at the Y who has struggled with their sense of belonging, self-worth, mental health, and vision for their future. Over the past three years as a Member Services Staff, Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, and Y Director, Jonny has built a mentor-mentee relationship founded on trust, respect, and hope. Jonny has spent countless hours listening to, working out alongside, and uplifting this member- directly supporting a young person in our community who identifies as BIPOC, low-income, and LGBTQAI+. Jonny’s consistent support has been transformative, helping them navigate high school graduation and enter young adulthood.

Jonny is more than just a mentor or coach— as a young, Black, male leader, he brings a valuable perspective as a trusted friend and role model, consistently enriching our community with his kindness, respect, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. In his role as the jumping coach for the CSS track team, Jonny inspires young athletes to excel not only in their athletic performance but also in character and compassion. A recent graduate of UW-Superior, he exemplifies what it means to succeed as both a student-athlete and a community leader, both on campus and beyond.

In every role he holds, Jonny embodies what it means to be a positive force in our community. His unwavering commitment to kindness, equity, and encouragement continues to uplift the lives of countless individuals, whether through his guidance as a coach, his leadership at the Y, or his mentorship of youth navigating their own unique challenges. Jonny’s presence is a reminder of the power of genuine connection and a testament to the impact of showing up for others with empathy and respect. His dedication to fostering inclusion, building confidence, and inspiring personal growth has truly made Duluth a stronger, more compassionate community.

Nominated by Emily

Transforming every space he enters into a positive and inclusive experience; Jesse is a formidable artist who showed up and inspired everyone last year with his speech on Indigenous People's day. He's a role model for sobriety and uses his experiences in life to inspire others, most recently as a panelist for the Waiting for Beds project, but also in his leadership at the Duluth Art Institute and Harbor City High School, and as a teacher of the arts for youth in our community.

Nominated Anonymously

Centering the community from a spiritual standpoint. He endorses respect, wisdom, courage, humility, truth, honesty and love. He encourages all of us (Native and non-Native) to live by these principles.

Nominated by Arne

Patience is a force for good in our community. She leads by example. In her young life of 15 years, her inclusiveness and kindness means no one gets left behind in the community projects that she is involved in. She is guided by Anishinaabeg values and the teaching of the elders around her. She mentors youth younger than her and her bravery has shown time and time again to voice what’s important to her and to lead in ceremonies. I don’t doubt that one day she will be leading the way in making this world a more peaceful and loving place. She is already doing this work.

Nominated by Ivy

Peter is a young man with Cerebral Palsy, he demonstrated resilience, patience, perseverance, curiosity, and stamina while bicycling across the country with his dad, John.

Nominated by Kim

Using and facilitating Restorative Practices with peers and adults. Emphasizing peaceful ways of communicating and conflict resolution within her school and community.

Nominated by Annie

Charlotte has worked tirelessly with migrants and refugees seeking asylum. She worked to set up a fund and an immigrant welcoming committee to help 3 Afghan women come to Duluth, find a place to live, find jobs and/or attend school and helped through the legal processes. She has also helped to facilitate a family from Venezuela to find a place to live and help them through legal processes as well as to find a job. Charlotte has been tireless in her efforts to welcome migrants and do whatever she can to help them through the process of sanctuary/immigration.

Nominated by Joan

Creating a safe space for our neurodivergent students and those with a disability to thrive at LSC. An example of this is that Davin works regularly with a student who has both physical and communication challenges. Davin has created a space where this student returns for support again and again and ensures that they are comfortable in their learning environment. He also went above and beyond and saw this individual being treated unfairly on public transportation and he stepped in to help. He strives to make the tutoring environment and all spaces he inhabits a space that all students and people thrive.

Nominated by Nicola

Each and everyday Dre is making incredible and positive changes for so many young men and women in our community through strength training, speed and agility, physical and mental health, mentorship, and so much more. My family, especially our daughter, has been blessed by positive change from Dre. As a student athlete Dre created mental and physical goals helping her return to basketball. Whether it was in person, texts or messages, Dre would check in, support and share his professional knowledge of exercises for her mental and physical strength. As well as checking in as a Godly big brother.

God has truly put Dre in a position to help build positive change in so many lives. His energy, his smile, dedication, resilience and loving support is amazing. Dre encourages accountability, self-worth, self-esteem, giving back to others and most importantly, Dre encourages through God's faith and love. Dre has a 'never give up attitude' and will walk right beside you through the good and bad. Dre is there to celebrate the successes and cry and hug you through the troubles.

We are truly grateful to have Dre forever in our lives. I'm beyond honored to nominate Dre Sherill as a Peace Hero for our community. The difference he has made and will continue to make has already changed so many lives. Our young men and women in our community have a great one in Dre Sherill!

Nominated by LeVearne

Mason is a positive team player in all his sports. He cheers on others. He coaches younger kids and shares his skills to encourage them to participate. He took our son under his wing and our son gained confidence being around Mason. It was always a joy seeing what they created together as well. Like a wristband playbook for football made out of cardboard.

Nominated by Heather

Doug is involved in so many things in Duluth that promote PEACE, Inclusion & Justice he makes me tired just thinking of all he does- I have admired his resolve for years!

Nominated by JoJo

Mentoring middle/high school Robotics teams - dedicating 6 hours/week. Dedicated higher education teacher - 24 years. Volunteering in local non-profits (Chum, Church, Alzheimer's association and much more).

Nominated Anonymously

Our son continues to grow in his identity and self-confidence as a young Black man thanks in no small part to mentorship of people in his life, including Phill. This past school year he started coming home with stories about someone named Phil who he thinks is a lunchroom monitor and playground monitor. We then start hearing about how Phil is supervising the basketball club Sawyer started before school. I finally meet Phil and observe first hand their bond and our son’s admiration of this mentor in his life.

Nick was formerly a youth worker for Men As Peacemakers and was in 5 ISD709 schools engaging with youth about healthy masculinity, how to be better humans to themselves and their communities and making youth feel seen and heard. He has recently accepted the job as After School Program Coordinator at Myers Wilkins and will continue making positive changes in the lives of our local youth! Our community is soooo lucky to have him!!

Nominated by Kia

Community Outreach for the homeless and elderly and youth.

Nominated Anonymously

As the Project Manager for Stepping On Up, Joel works tirelessly to eradicate homelessness in our area. Joel works with wisdom, experience, and compassion to unite organizations. His talents help sharpen messages to City, State, and federal agencies in all matters related to homelessness and housing scarcity. He’s a true Peace Warrior and certainly deserving of recognition!

Nominated by Bud

Helping the community.

Nominated by Tiffany

Phil has changed my 5th grade son's life in a way that only a person with a special gift could do. He has inspired and encouraged him and countless kids at the school where he works.

Last fall we kept hearing about this "helper" at school whose name was Phil. We were excited to hear about someone at his elementary school who was really fun and who wanted to get to know them. Putting it a better way, this was a person who my, then 4th grader, wanted to get to know and who made going to school fun again. His care for the kids showed and they received. This mystery person, Phil, turned out to be an Integration Specialist for the Duluth Public Schools.

I would say he was assigned to Lowell Elementary for "such a time as this."

Last year was really hard for Lowell. We lost a member of the community who was a parent, dear friend, colleague, teacher, and program coordinator. Whether the kids were close to this loss or not, it was felt throughout the school, and still is. This didn’t rattle Phil, instead he gracefully swept in and filled a need no one could have named. He has inspired our kids at school and home, even to the point of some kids following him across town for his summer basketball camp. This turned out to be the best experience for our son. Oh and did I mention, he really is a basketball coach? He is head coach of the Denfeld Men’s basketball team.

Phil includes kids who aren't on his assigned caseload and challenges and inspires them. He meets them where they are and leads them into something better. He even started a "Guys with Ties" program at Lowell. This is a young men's group where he teaches them how to be (young) men of substance, including basic things all guys should know, like how to properly shake hands (never while sitting and while always making eye contact).

I have a lump in my throat as I try to make this short. I cannot express how much it means to us to have Phil speak life into these kids. Our son's "Phil days" are the highlight of his week, and for a 5th grader, to have an outlook like this at school, is a really big deal.

Thank you for considering Phil, who really is a Peace Hero.

Making a difference in the community by helping the elders and youth.

Nominated by Cynthia

Benjamin works daily with youth in Duluth's Hillside neighborhood as part of the Family Freedom Center programs to provide mentorship, educational support, and workforce training. Benjamin, along with Henry Banks, partnered with Zeitgeist as a featured speaker following the Transportation Equity film - Driving While Black. He has used his own life experiences and voice to build understanding and empathy to drive changes in racist social systems and policies. Benjamin has a big heart and thoughtful demeanor. He is a strong and compassionate community member and one of the best role models you could hope for as a young person in Duluth, but especially young black males. I believe he also served in the US military.

Nominated by Andrea

Penny has been a peace activist for many years. As a member of the Minnesota Peace Project she is constantly writing to congressional members about local, national, and global peace issues. She is also a member of Grandmothers for Peace which is out there on the streets and in the community raising the consciousness of citizens on how war and conflict affect all of us. She started the Women in Black campaign which had women silently protesting the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict. Penny is always out on the street holding up signs, working to raise money for scholarships, taking care of Afghanistan refugees, and standing together with others in silent vigils following violence in our country. I believe Penny is very committed to Peace for all.

Nominated by Nina

John Retired after 33 years as a Family Medicine Physician. Within 3 days of retirement, I set out to begin a 64 day, 3,994 mile bike ride from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean with our son with cerebral palsy. Bringing attention and the message to everyone has value and ability to make dreams come true.

Nominated by Kimberly

Because of her hard work and dedication in servicing the community.

Nominated by Allen

He’s a spectacularly dedicated middle school special ed teacher who consistently makes his students lives and experiences better. He lives a life as a calling.

Nominated Anonymously

Creating community through music.

Nominated by Keely

By supporting the youth with basketball programs and being there and checking up on them.

Nominated Anonymously

Helping the youth and being a great role model.

Nominated by Marnaries

Changing the lives of youth in the area, being a role model, weight lifting programs to help them be better athletes.

Nominated by Phil

Using training and faith to uplift others!

Nominated by Carter

Marlon invests his full self in every student with whom he connects. He makes authentic connections with students and their families, which gives him credibility to speak into the kids' lives. He intertwines a combination of love, vision, and accountability when working through both positive and challenging things with kids. Marlon spends every bit of who he is and what he has and every student is better for knowing and connecting with him.

Nominated Anonymously

Welcoming newcomers and fostering better public discourse: She is very active with Braver Angels to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics. She and her family welcomed a Venezuelan refugee family in their home for months while they looked for work and more permanent housing. She also helped another family--single mom, grandma & teen son with their living situation and health issues a couple years ago. She earned a social work degree later in life to help others.

Nominated Anonymously

Rachel is our Community School coordinator. She works to strengthen the connection between our students and services within the community. I'm nominating her because she has spent countless hours working to secure grants and other funding so that students at LPMS can have experiences that they otherwise wouldn't have had. These include dental services during the school day, healthy access to food for families, and after-school programming. She has fostered relationships between LPMS and many organizations such as Men as Peacemakers, Ecolibrium3, AICHO, and local universities.

Nominated Anonymously

Cyndy lives in Duluth’s Central Hillside and supports those in her neighborhood by connecting people to needed resources for health and well-being. She volunteered in hospice and for the library’s home delivery service, which made her realize how much she enjoys working with older adults, which sent her back to college to study gerontology. Her jobs in aging services have included a stint on a long-term care life enrichment team, and work as an Age-Friendly Outreach Specialist at Duluth Aging Support and Zeitgeist. Cyndy can be found supporting older adults at Damiano, the Duluth Public Library, The Duluth Transit Center, Gloria Dei Community Breakfasts, Evergreen Senior Center, and at the Duluth Age Friendly Lunch and Share programs at the Harrison Community Center. Cyndy has also volunteered at Damiano, CHUM, and Sacred Heart Music Center.

Nominated by Andrea

Influencing the young community by getting kids better at their sport and as a person! Always has a positive attitude and commits his life to making people better!

Nominated by Aaron

Teaching and mentoring youth and adults through his training program and at the same time focusing on overall well being, gratitude, positivity and respect.

Nominated Anonymously

Caring for, advocating for, feeding, clothing and loving the homeless in our city.

Nominated Anonymously

I’ve been coached by Dre since I was little and he helps me with both physical training but also helps me with what’s going on with me mentally and emotionally. He’s been a very positive influence and almost like a second dad because my dad died when I was 5. He’s always been there for me and takes time to talk to me and encourage me when I’m feeling down. He has the kind of character that I want to have when I’m grown.

Nominated Anonymously

Helping Lincoln Park grow!

Nominated by Simon

He puts hours of time into youth through the sport of baseball. Not only teaching them an amazing game but how to be incredible people, friends, neighbors, teammates and citizens. He challenges them to make an impact on their community.

Nominated by Ashley

Being a great mentor to young men in the community.

Nominated Anonymously

She is an instrumental positive force in the community with a sincere heart and keen mind that knows the needs of residents within Duluth as well as how to deliver on those needs.

Nominated by Maximilian

Pez creates safe and inclusive spaces for local youth. He works with others in our community to give youth a place to have positive adult role models and a sense of community.

Nominated by Abby

Diana is my neighbor…She has devoted her life to tirelessly advocate for peace!

In our neighborhood, our city, our country and the world! There is no better choice for this award, I’m proud to call her my friend.

Nominated by Melissa

Pez has always been an advocate for kids and families struggling in their communities that are trying to overcome barriers like poverty to addiction by being a fantastic role model and making them feel like they have a voice and can be seen and heard. When he started Neighbor Youth Service, His top priority in life was to make sure kids are taken care of and experiencing what every child deserves and that most definitely includes experiencing a happy and safe environment where they can thrive and have opportunities they might not otherwise get the chance to endure. He’s a constant companion and force leader with a heart of gold.

If given the chance he would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed. In life, it is rare to befriend such an individual and I don’t think people should take that so lightly. I cherish my friendship with him and admire his drive and strength and ability to form direct relationships with both business and families so kids (of any age) have the opportunities they deserve. All of us can learn by example from such a dedicated and kind and even fierce individual.

Nominated by Steven

Working with neighborhood kids.

Nominated by Mike

Jen is Registered Nurse, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), mom, sister, daughter, and wonderful human being. In Jen's work with Essentia's OB/GYN clinic, she is a patient care coordinator assisting expecting parents and those in the postpartum period. She sees her patients as individual, unique people with their own strengths, needs, and desires. Jen works hard to leverage community support to make sure parents are supported in one of the most complex times of their lives. In her role as a SANE, Jen is supporting patients in the aftermath of sexual trauma. She is a listening ear, provides patient education, and works to restore a sense of control. Recently Jen had a patient who discovered they were pregnant during their SANE exam - her worlds collided. Jen was able to meet that patient where she was at, provide support, offer options and resources, and above all - made sure the patient didn't feel alone.

In her personal life, Jen is the lighthouse in the storm. She fiercely supports her kids, aging parents, and grieving sister. She is ready and wants to jump in at a moment's notice to make sure her loved ones have the support they need. In all her being - Jen is peaceful. She brings a sense of calm to all situations. You can drop by her house any night for dinner and she would welcome you with open arms, as if she had invited you weeks ago.Jen finds her peace out in the woods. A couple times a year, she disappears into the woods for a week or two to rest and recharge. She recently got back from a trip with her husband out West and in Canada.

Nominated by Sam

It is with great pride and heartfelt enthusiasm that I nominate Pez Davila for the Duluth Peace Hero Award. As the Executive Director of Neighborhood Youth Services (NYS), Pez has made an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people in our community. His leadership, compassion, and tireless commitment to uplifting others have truly transformed NYS into a beacon of hope and opportunity for Duluth's youth. Pez has created, participated in, and led items such as the backpack drive for the Duluth area, Trunk or Treat, Chili Cook off, Christmas parties, BBQs, and so much more. NYS is Pez, and Pez is NYS.

Beyond his role at NYS, Pez is a champion youth football coach, guiding his teams not only to success on the field but also fostering teamwork, resilience, and integrity in every young athlete he mentors. His impact goes far beyond sports, shaping character and building self-esteem in these young individuals.

Pez is also an up-and-coming podcaster, using his platform to highlight stories of individuals in the Duluth area. His podcast creates a space where the voices of our community are amplified, fostering dialogue and bringing people together in a unique and powerful way. It is yet another testament to his commitment to uniting and strengthening the bonds within our city and area.

But perhaps what stands out most about Pez is his unwavering dedication to being a pillar of support for those around him. Whether it’s through his work, coaching, podcasting, or simply being a friend, Pez consistently uplifts and encourages others, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a peace hero. His compassion, leadership, and tireless efforts to improve the lives of others make him a true champion of peace and a deserving candidate for this esteemed award.

I am proud to call Pez not just a colleague, but a very close friend. He has inspired me, and countless others, to strive for a better, more inclusive community where everyone is supported and valued. Pez’s contributions to Duluth are immeasurable, and it is with great honor that I submit this nomination for the Duluth Peace Hero Award.

Nominated by Drew

Alaine Ripley has a passion for serving her community. In addition to her full-time day job, spouse, and two small children, Alaine chooses to commit to providing medical forensic exams after hours and on weekends. When she’s not doing this, she is serving as the President of her children’s elementary school PTA and working for social justice. Alaine has been practicing as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) for the past eight years. When Alaine started with our SANE Program, we only had four SANEs. Alaine gave all the time she could to ensure that victim-survivors got the best quality care. Alaine was integral in building our team of SANE to fifteen nurses. The patients that receive care from Alaine are getting highest-quality, trauma-informed, victim-centered medical care. She arrives at every exam knowing that she can meet the patient’s needs and does not discharge a patient until she has done so. When patients are apprehensive to report to police or about elements of the exam, Alaine uses her patience and care to best explain that patient’s options. Alaine has been the liaison to our region’s Safe Harbor Trafficking and Exploitation Program. Through this role she is fully apprised to the current state of human trafficking. With Alaine’s creation of our trafficking screening protocol, patients in our region should not slip through the cracks.

Nominated by Sam

Going above and beyond to support youth in our community. Providing transportation and a space for kids to be after school and in the evenings. He has continually met youth where they are, seen where services could be used, and helped to fill the gaps, provide appropriate services.

Nominated by Katie

Charlie has been educating the Duluth community about farming for many years. He recently was hired by Ecolibrium and has been rejuvenating the farm space at LSC. Through his new role, he is continuing to educate people by creating a space, on the bus line, that is accessible to everyone.

Nominated by Katie

I enthusiastically nominate Helen Davis for the Duluth Peace Hero Award. Helen is a pillar of our community whose unwavering commitment to service and care for others has impacted countless lives. As a Christian Black woman, her faith and devotion to her community are evident in everything she does. Over the years, Helen has played many roles, but her time with the Family Freedom Center (FFC) stands out for its lasting influence.

For five years, Helen served as the Outreach Liaison for FFC, where she organized educational workshops, provided transportation for those in need, hosted community events, and checked in on elders. She fostered a strong sense of connection across generations, particularly between children and elders, believing that these relationships are essential to a thriving community. Helen ensured FFC's programs were accessible, offering workshops at no cost to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial situation, could participate. Her humility and compassion were at the core of her work, as she always put the needs of the community first, never seeking recognition for herself.

Even though she has moved on from FFC, Helen's legacy remains. She helped the organization grow from a program within Community Action Duluth (CAD) to an independent nonprofit, and her influence continues through her recent appointment to CAD's board of directors. Helen is now the Community Outreach Specialist at Ecolibrium3 (Eco3), where for the past two years, she has continued her passion for serving others. In addition to her work with Eco3, Helen has also previously worked with Chum, True North AmeriCorps, and served as a security officer for Chicago Public Schools for 30 years.

Helen has always been an advocate for public health and safety, notably sounding the alarm about dangerously high lead levels in the community. She has consistently fought for the well-being of her neighbors, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

Working for peace by using her artistic gifts to create a peace banner.

Nominated by Penny

Helen’s dedication, humility, and fierce commitment to serving her community make her the perfect candidate for the Duluth Peace Hero Award. She embodies the spirit of peace and service, and her work has left an indelible mark on Duluth. She continues to uplift those around her, and I wholeheartedly nominate her for this prestigious honor.

Nominated by Abe

Inspiring youth and coordinating activities.

Nominated by Rick

Helping everyone he can and being a great person he is my hero!

Nominated by Lee

Always helping the youth by giving them rides. He is always willing to have camps and things to do for the youth to keep them out of trouble. Always being a positive role model and holding the kids accountable for everything they do.

Nominated by Yvonne

It is my honor to nominate Ms Helen Davis for this award. Ms Helen is on a mission to help this community help itself. What has Ms Helen done for this community? First of all she has given this community her love and dedication . Be it delivering groceries to a family in need on a snowy night to assisting the homeless have a safe and warm space at the warming center in West Duluth.

Helen is a hands-on mentor and teacher of our youth in this community. She coordinated the Family Freedom school sessions and occasionally would sit in for a workshop instructor when they couldn’t be there. Ms Helen is a go getter, a culture bearer, elder and Respected advocate for herself and other women in our community who are in mid life, low income and striving to survive these times of high cost of living.

She leads by example and is an inspiration to women returning to the classroom after having raised a family and worked for years to put food on the table. Ms Helen recently graduated from Lake Superior Community College with an AA degree in liberal arts and went on to finish her Bachelor's degree at UWSuperior. Ms Helen while setting her higher education also made sure our children had the tools they needed to get their education each year by volume, putting together and delivering backpacks, new school clothes and coats to children whose families needed them.

There is not enough room to tell all the good and heartfelt stories and support Ms Helen has given to our community here in Duluth and the Twin Ports. Ms Helen is so much a pillar in this community it would be wonderful to see her win this award and be reconfirmed all the good she continues to do to make Duluth better than it was yesterday.

Nominated by Kym

Helen's genuine and heartfelt approach to community engagement is truly remarkable. I have never entered a room with her where she has not been greeted with warm hugs and familiarity from at least one person. She shines as a beacon of inspiration and a role model in community outreach and engagement. Through her dedication, she has connected numerous resources to communities in need and has consistently fostered and strengthened those vital connections.

Nominated Anonymously

Growing food for people! Local, organic, sustainable. Community supported agriculture. Rick runs a small organic vegetable farm in Wrenshall with his wife Karola. They are called Northern Harvest Farm. They employ local people, including teenagers and teach them about farming, caring for the earth, and working together.

Nominated by Tom

Dre invests in young people from middle school through highschool and beyond (college and professional athletes) as a personal strength and agility coach and a life coach - inspiring and empowering young people to achieve their goals and serve others in humility.

Dre comes alongside athletes through I Can I Will Sports Training and encourages them physically, mentally and spiritually - his training integrates physical, mental and skill development. He is gifted in identifying their challenges and strengths and inspiring dedication. My son Noah started working out with Dre and Dre mentored him beyond his strength goals, for example visiting Noah at school to support and encourage him and identifying ways to build his self-confidence.

Outside of this coaching role, Dre works with the Duluth Harbor Monsters building a positive culture in a new semi-professional team in the Duluth area, bringing positive energy and skill to this role. Dre is engaged in his community, his family and his church, bringing athletes, youth and friends to serve the community in various direct ways.

Nominated by Linnea

Helping the children in the community feel a sense of home.

Nominated by Taleea

Helen cares deeply about the community and all people that she comes into contact with. She has been a servant to many families and people in need and she does not think twice before being a helping hand.

Nominated by Jackie

Helping the children in the community.

Nominated by Aaroshon

She's a badass leader who's doing everything they can to find life giving housing solutions. I want to be like her when I grow up.

Nominated Anonymously

Giving her time and her passion to empower the Black community in Duluth for 30 years. "Are you and the family going to come tonight? Yes, Miss Helen, we will be there." She picked up the phone and made sure you knew that you were invited. That you were somebody. She gave up making money, for making sure a village of children grew up believing they were loved. Miss Helen's voice is one of the most beautiful things you'll ever hear when you pick up the phone. She deserves to be honored for bringing Peace into the streets. Hope for real change.

Nominated Anonymously

Jacob is actively contributing to positive change within the community by fostering meaningful connections with both youth and families. Through consistent engagement and a supportive presence, he has established himself as a trusted individual whom others can confidently approach for guidance and encouragement. His efforts in relationship-building not only strengthen community bonds but also create an environment of trust and support, demonstrating his dedication to making a lasting impact.

Nominated by Melissa

Supporting people where they are at. Remaining calm in storms.

Nominated Anonymously

Shuby has helped soooo many people (of All ages!) learn about the many facets of the growing/ farming of organic, healthy fruits & veggies! She got her start @ the UMD Greenhouses and was a prime organizer of the Duluth Farmer’s Markets!

She has been sharing her expertise (and produce) with the Duluth Community for 50 Years!!!!

Nominated Anonymously

Dr. Spears refused to accept a 2 month wait for a mammogram appointment for me when we found out that I may have had breast cancer. She refused to accept a healthcare system that didn't fight for my life so she spent her afternoon calling every clinic around town. She fought for me..... When I needed someone to Make A Positive Change in the middle of a healthcare system, I didn't put the patient first. She didn't back down. We need more Nyasha's in every single patient room fighting for us, our kids and our elderly .She is changing the world, one patient at a time. She’s a Peace Hero.

Nominated Anonymously

Kim Kruger is the name you hear when women in Duluth recount the one person who helped them survive: their first pregnancy, first birth, motherhood. She is the Doctor who made you feel like you were the RIGHT person and she was your Cheerleader who made you believe you were gonna make it!

She's championed a generation of women through 20 years of our most personal milestones. She talked to me through my first born and through advocating for myself through my double mastectomy. There is No One Like Kim Kruger. She lights up a room and makes us all believe in ourselves. She is a peace hero, and the person that lifted all of us up. She made our village stronger.

Nominated Anonymously

Shelley doesn't just talk about making positive change...she lives it 24/7. She's lived in a house that offers shelter, hospitality and advocacy for our ordinary Duluth families who happen to be experiencing homelessness for the past 5 years. She fiercely defends the humanity of those who handle unimaginable hurdles while cooking up good ole fashioned fun, pots of spicy food and making kids laugh while her dog mowgli sneaks food and pulls on her leash.

Nominated Anonymously

Corey is one of the most kind, thoughtful, and helpful people I've had the pleasure of working with. He always sees what is needed and goes way beyond what's expected of him! I'm so grateful to work with people as awesome as Corey!

Nominated by Keely

Building up the local communities through strength and speed training towards athletes of all ages as well as different sports all by himself where we don’t have the resources such as larger cities. Also making these same student athletes better people on and off the field/court/ice through his teachings.

Nominated by Anthony

Lynda has been an amazing Educator for more than 30 years in a variety of School settings & a number of places in the US and Africa!

She has been a Kindergarten Teacher for many years and always creates a Peaceful Classroom, starting on Day # 1!

She demonstrates her own values of: Compassion, , Interdependence, Cooperation, Collaboration, Integrity, Empathy & Kindness with her Students & Everyone in the Building!

She is a Go- Getter with lots of positive energy & shines that throughout the School!

Lynda takes on many extra projects with those

( above- mentioned ) Skills and the biggest task is managing the School’s Greenhouse!

She teaches her “ Littles” about caring for their plants & helping ( Both!)to grow & then their crops are served in the Cafeteria!

She also educates the Kids about the flora & fauna that surrounds the Building and helps them learn about their Connection to the Earth, at School & Home & out into the broader Duluth Community!

She is a Peaceful Shero for certain!

Nominated Anonymously

Sheri has been an Educator: Teacher, Principal, Committee Chair & Board member for many years. In several locations.

She creates a Peaceful environment in her classroom where her Students work & thrive! She gives them strong, consistent instruction that helps them understand their own World!

Sheri enjoys the Out- of -doors & fosters that with her Kids while raising Monarchs , tending their Greenhouse plants or exploring the Woods beyond the School’s walls.

She moved from The Cities long ago, to a hobby farm in the Woods , in Duluth Township to peacefully ride her horses & care for Rescue Dogs and Gardens, when her School Day is done!

Her biggest Caring & Peaceful Task now is taking -in her 3 Elementary -aged, Grandchildren to live with them and foster their needs following some Family strife!

Sheri ( and her husband) already raised their own Kids and now have stepped up to offer some Peace & Comfort to her next generation of Fledglings- forgoing their own Retirements or Travel & Leisure plans!

These efforts have occurred over the last couple of years and there isn’t a finite ending and so she perseveres to make her School and Family children safe & happy within their Environments!

Nominated Anonymously

Carla is an amazing g Art’s Educator and helps her Students connect with the Natural World in their Artwork! She put a lot of Time & Effort into bringing resources & techniques into her Art Classes.

She went above and beyond to bring quality & goodness to the School. She worked fervently on the Healthy Eating Program at School & attended a Summer symposium in Berkeley to learn about sustainability that could be encouraged in the School’s Greenhouse.

She worked with Students to understand the Native Americans ( Lake Superior) Culture and built a lasting “ Three Sisters Garden” for the SchoolKids to nurture from Spring to Fall when it was harvested.

Carla also worked hard to practice Peace throughout the School especially when She collaborated to produce big, All-School Art’s Enrichment sessions for the Students and Staff and Families, to learn from many Artsy modes!

Carla has also coordinated the annual Park Point Art Fair, for 18 yrs. In the neighborhood where She lives. This is a huge endeavor with more than 100+ Artists gathering each June, to demonstrate & sell their Goods !

Just by looking at Carla, You can see She personifies a peaceful aura and manner as she lives her Artist’s Life!

Nominated Anonymously

Robbie exemplifies a “peaceful warrior” as both an Educator, Environmentalist and Artist!

She taught students at many grade levels and the Natural World & Science Principles were always at the forefront of her curriculum !

She showed 6th graders how they could bake a cake in a solar oven, had her students do energy surveys in their classrooms and She taught them about Phrenology in their surroundings! Robbie always learned about best practices in her field and used technology to highlight her kids talents by making real radio broadcasts about their findings!

Robbie also went the extra step to get her Students Outside and perform service projects: capping seedlings in the Fall with the DNR ,or Bird Banding with Wolf Ridge staff or participating in Bird counts at Hawk’s Ridge were all ways She showed -up in the Community!

Robbie lives a peaceful, dynamic existence in rural Duluth , with her Husband , where she tends to their Gardens & her Hummingbirds & works in her Studio, designing with,; paint fabric, felt , jewelry or carving wood to create gentle & simple original Art!

She bicycles thru other countries , reads voraciously and nurtures her Kids & Granddaughter in Alaska & the Southwest.

Robbie’s peaceful personality was always welcomed during the chaotic Times, happening at School, in Duluth or other parts of MN, the US or the World!

Nominated Anonymously

Helping young athletes and at risk kids. He teaches them both physically and spiritually how to become a productive healthy successful human being in society and how to give back to their communities.

Nominated by Claudia

Marlon’s unwavering drive to help troubled teenagers in school and outside of school. Yet he is so humble about his investment in these youth even when so many have given up on these kids.

Nominated by Shannon

Always showing up for kids anytime, anywhere.

Nominated by Deana

Marlon, an Integration Specialist at Lincoln Park Middle School, works tirelessly and is unwavering at helping his students find success in and out of the school. He donates his time to help support students, coaching and encouraging them to chase their dreams. I am honored to know Marlon and with humility he continues to do this work driven by his desire to help youth find a path to success.

Nominated by Charles

Taking calls from kids in crisis all hours of the day.

Nominated Anonymously

Dre does a great job of building the youth around the area. If I can, I will get fitness. The workouts he provides are amazing but more importantly is how he builds mind and spirit. In today's society it seems that there is a lot of negativity and tearing down of people. Dre is the opposite. He is a beacon of positivity and a builder of our youth. He cares about people and brings out their best because he gives them his best. Dre is an important and positive influence in Duluth and the surrounding communities.

Nominated by Scott

Keeping the City of Duluth a Safe place to live and work in!!!

Nominated Anonymously

Rachel continually makes positive change by gracefully, conscientiously, wisely, and diligently connecting with kids, community partners, parents, and staff at Lincoln Park Middle School to enhance kids' experience and opportunities at Lincoln.

Nominated Anonymously

Michelle and Greg operate the Hildegard in Duluth providing housing for asylum seekers, refugees and victims for sex trafficking. For decades they have actively worked for peace, opposing war and nuclear weapons. They have stood for environmental protection and have opposed local pipeline and mining projects. As members of the Catholic Worker Community Michelle and Greg have sacrificed themselves serving others and the cause of peace.

Nominated Anonymously

Brooks has been a long time peace advocate. He originated and established the Duluth Peace Walk (see peacewalkduluth.org . This connects six sites in downtown Duluth related to peace. "The Peace Walk Duluth aims to raise the awareness of the potential and responsibility for peace making at an individual and community level.

Nominated by Phillip

Jake is the most selfless person I know who is quietly giving medical care to people who have recently been incarcerated, currently homeless or have been refused care from other clinics and mistreated by the healthcare system. He listens, when people need to tell a doctor why they've been treated badly and misunderstood. Even when he's not the person who has done it.

"they deserve to be mad, and they deserve to have someone listen to them" is all he says.

He makes me believe that even though healthcare is inhumane, that there are still a few human beings who are fighting for us to be taken care of in a system that doesn't care for us.

Nominated Anonymously

Eric is one of the heartbeats of this community, quietly serving in many capacities. Eric is the Wrenshall School Board Vice Chair, he is the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief of our volunteer fire department, is the school board rep for the Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium (a role that no board member was jumping to take), and serves our youth as a coach and the treasurer for the Carlton/Wrenshall Youth Baseball Association. Eric is also a devoted husband and father to two girls. He does this all while working full time.

Eric is the guy that quietly and calmly identifies a problem and works to solve it. I've never heard him complain. He simply gets to work. If I need something done for the school, Eric is the guy I turn to. If I need to make sure that something I've written is fair and factual, Eric is the person I have read it.

He is the guy that everyone calls when they need something. He teaches fire safety to our students at the Wrenshall School. Our students know and love him. When something is broken at the school or in town, he is the guy people call. Most recently, we realized the Wrenshall Tornado sirens didn't go off during the tornado warning this fall. I called Eric and Eric met the city maintenance person to go look at the control panel. When he couldn't fix it, he motivated the city to immediately remedy the issue. He is literally making our city a better, safer community.

I think the best specific example of why Eric deserves this award dates back to 2023 when one of our seniors was in a terrible accident that almost took her life. The Wrenshall Fire Department, including Eric, were first on the scene. He helped save her life. After the accident was cleaned up, he consoled his fellow fire department members who went to school with this person. The next morning he was at the school making sure that her classmates were being consoled and cared for. In the months that followed he supported fundraisers that supported her care.

This is one of countless examples of why Eric deserves this award.

If communities were filled with people like Eric, the world would be a better place.

Nominated by Mary

Building an impactful community response, support and collaborations with community partners for Indigenous/Tribal community members impacted by violence. She is a Tribal Elder, matriarch and a leader of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Movement. She is the founder of Native Lives Matter Coalition, this year will mark the 10th year of the "Annual Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Memorial March" in Duluth Minnesota organized by Rene Ann and hosted by Native Lives Matter Coalition with MMIWR families and local supporting community partners. She provides direct community outreach to victims of violence filling a gap and building a bridge between community need and direct service providers. Her work is longstanding in the anti-violence and Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women's movement, beginning with organizing and hosting the very first MMIW march held in MPLS in 2015, and in Duluth in 2016. She has donated her work and volunteered these efforts for the past decade working to build the MMIW movement in Minnesota along with raising her granddaughter. 

Rene Ann currently sits on multiple boards as a volunteer to help stay connected to the community and anti-violence community outreach.

Rene Ann's dedication to the Duluth community is demonstrated in her community events she organizes and hosts that includes cultural performances and connections, elders, advocacy that promotes healing and awareness. Over the past several years she has helped to created a first of it kind collaboration with the city of Duluth and grassroots organizations building an historical missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit reward fund in the city of Duluth and collaborated with state representatives to establish the Minnesota state MMWR reward Fund expanding the MN MMIR Office. The name of the reward account is called Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag.

"I nominate Rene Ann  to be Duluth's Peace Hero for making a Positive Change by leading by example, being an inspiration for others doing anti-violence work in their community, being a community changemaker, community education on the MMWR crisis, helping to find the missing, promoting healing and building collaborations of support with community partners and the city of Duluth for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit people, relatives (MMWR) families. "

Nominated Anonymously

I have had the pleasure of working with Helen for the past 4 and 1/2 months. She is not only one of the kindest, considerate, and hard working individuals I have met, but she does so much for our wonderful community. Helen has done many canvassing events in the Duluth community, and her work with researching the effects of lead pipes / lead in the water in Duluth homes stands out. She has helped so many residents, and the City of Duluth, help replace the lead water lines in homes. She knows just about everyone in the Duluth area (literally) and always brings such a positive energy and smile to those who are lucky to know her.

Nominated Anonymously

Henry has been a force for working to eradicate racism and inequity in this community for decades. He was influential in helping Duluth confront the truth that three young men of African heritage were lynched in 1920, and in the creation of the CJM memorial. He has led numerous University for Seniors classes at UMD, including a class on Gospel music and another on important local African heritage leaders, that has educated many. Currently, he is serving the community by representing District 3 on the Duluth School Board and working to implement educational policies that are equity-based and impactful.

Nominated by Penny

MMWR  (Missing Murdered Indigenous Women)

Nominated by Phoebe

Wendy lives and breathes community mindedness. For many years she has been writing and distributing a free Lakeside newsletter which contains interesting and informative articles about local people,, businesses, and goings on in Lakeside. She also organizes presentations for nursing homes and a wide variety of day trips out of town that are open to everyone in the community. Plus she organizes craft shows and other community gatherings. She offers many classes in the Duluth community education catalog including ones for people with special needs. She is always looking for opportunities to create positive connections in the community.

Nominated by Linda

Dorothy continues to work on peace projects like Grandmothers for Peace, Women in Black, and a large variety of smaller projects, by notifying a large group of people when & where peace actions are happening. She does this, even though she has been in Rochester for several months, while her husband works through a bone marrow transplant.

Nominated by Kay

Supporting community members in recovery on their path to realize their potential and gain financial independence.

Nominated By Thomlin

Helping students at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School get access to physical activities and safe environments.

Nominated By Thomlin

Getting older adults / elders supportive resources for social connection.

Nominated By Thomlin