The City of Renton, Renton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Renton will honor Jay Leviton as the 2015 Citizen of the Year and Martin Patricelli and Rev. Dr. Linda Smith as Outstanding Citizens tonight, Friday.

These awards recognize their important contributions and unwavering dedication to the Renton community.

“It is my privilege to recognize Jay Leviton as the 2015 Citizen of the Year and Martin Patricelli and Rev. Dr. Linda Smith as Outstanding Citizens,” said Mayor Denis Law in a press release. “We are grateful for their unfailing commitment to make our city a better place for everyone, and I am joined by the entire community in thanking them for their tireless dedication.”

Jay Leviton has served Renton students and families for over 30 years as an educator and leader. Currently the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education and Community Partnerships in the Renton School District, Leviton has served in many positions connected to education, among them as an educator at Renton Vocational Technical Institute when it was part of the Renton School District; a principal at Sartori Educator Center and Black River Alternative High School; and as a consultant with the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Leviton has also been an ambassador for advancing vocational-technical education and he has served on local, state and national boards in order to impact the quality of education. Beyond his educational impact, Leviton has also served state and local service organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics and the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Patricelli has served Renton by reaching the youngest members of our community in meaningful ways. he has participated in the City of Renton Summer Lunch program for over 20 years, assisting with free lunches to schoolchildren when they need it most.

Patricelli has also spearheaded efforts to provide school supplies to children in need, and through his association with the Seafair Clowns, he has brought smiles and laughter to many Truck or Treat Halloween events. Patricelli’s generosity and community connection extends to adults as well, volunteering in the kitchen and directing the kitchen crew for the Renton Thanksgiving Day dinner, and hosting appreciation dinners for the Renton Police Department.

Rev. Dr. Linda Smith’s passion is helping others and Renton has benefited from her devotion. As founder of the REACH Center of Hope, based at Renton City Hall, Smith began a lifeline for homeless women and children as they make their journey from homelessness to stability. She is a past chair of the City of Renton Human Services Advisory Committee and a current board member of the Greater Church Council of Seattle and of the Margie Williams Helping Hands Food Bank.

As Senior Pastor at the SKY Urban Empowerment and Transformation Center, Smith has been actively involved with the African-American Pastoral Group that is cooperatively building a partnership with the City of Renton Police Department to improve police-community relationships in Renton.

“Renton is fortunate to have such great individuals who lend their time and talents to enrich the lives of others,” said Brent Camann, Past Chairman, Renton Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor to recognize and celebrate them not only once a year, but every day.”

“Citizen of the Year gives us the opportunity to recognize the hard-working volunteers who help make Renton a great community,” said Norma McQuiller, President, Renton Rotary.

The Citizen of the Year Banquet is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight, Jan. 22 at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave N. Information and banquet reservations are available at GoRenton.com or by calling 425-226-4560.

-from a press release