Two recipients have been chosen to receive Traverse City's Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award this year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the award.

The Human Rights Commission will present the award to Emmy Lou Cholak and Jenn Cameron at a special anniversary celebration on Monday, March 19 at the Governmental Center. The celebration will take place at 5:30pm in the second-floor training room, following by an award presentation at 7pm in the Commission Chambers. 

Cholak has "long been an active proponent of human rights in the Traverse City area," according to the Human Rights Commission. She is the Social Justice Action Chairperson at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, has organized and led marriage equality marches, organized the InterFaith Council, worked to feed and house people experiencing homelessness, currently volunteers at public elementary schools, serves on ALPACT, and was a member of the Human Rights Commission for several years.

Cameron is engaged in multiple organizations and humanitarian efforts throughout the community. She is a co-founder of Up North Pride, assumed a leadership role in organizing a vigil of support following last year’s shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub, and serves on ALPACT. She has helped organize several area events, including a workshop concerning systemic racism, Pride at the Playhouse, and a block party promoting LGBTQ pride.

"Both of this year’s recipients have made immeasurable, positive impacts on our community and are especially deserving of the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award," the Human Rights Commission said in a statement. "We want to encourage the citizens of the Traverse City area to join with us in recognizing the contributions made by these deserving individuals in the promotion of human rights."

The Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award honors individuals who exemplify the Human Rights Commission’s ideals, including promoting mutual understanding and respect among all people and discouraging discriminatory practices.