Turlock's 'Best' receive awards

TURLOCK -- The Chamber of Commerce handed out the annual Best of Turlock awards at the Assyrian American Civic Club on Friday night.

Special recognition also was bestowed on the 12 oldest citizens and oldest businesses, part of Turlock's centennial year celebrations.

More than 460 people attended, by far the largest Best of Turlock event, chamber President Sharon Silva said.

"These are people who acted out of love of Turlock. There are so many wonderful people, who've done so many wonderful things," she said.

Award winners included:

Special Recognition and Thank You -- Turlock Unified School District Superintendent William Gibson

Ambassador of the Year -- Miranda Welsh

Volunteer of the Year -- Jim Booth

Special Recognition -- Dr. H. Dieter and Hannah Renning

Small Business of the Year -- Boies' Medical Center Pharmacy

Corporation of the Year -- Buchanan Enterprise Inc.

Youth Involvement of the Year -- Abe and Sharon Rojas

Educator of the Year -- Rick Avila

Humanitarian of the Year -- Sally Phillips

Agricultural Leader of the Year -- Karen Cozzi

Business Leader of the Year -- Julio A. Hallack

Youth Citizen of the Year -- Brittney Wells

Citizen of the Year -- Mayor John Lazar