RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A senior citizen with a special mission for helping the homeless, a community group boosting neighborhood and holiday spirits in Lincoln Village, and a squadron of volunteers supporting police work across Rancho Cordova are among the outstanding volunteers who will be honored during the 25th Annual Community Volunteer Awards hosted by the Cordova Community Council on March 14.

Top award of the night will go to Kevin Sims, a longtime resident and 30-year instrumental music director at Cordova High School, who has also brought his musical magic to Rancho Cordova’s beloved Fourth of July Parade.   He will be honored as “Rancho Cordovan of the Year,” an award reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the community over a lifetime.

“This is the time and place for us to honor and celebrate that which makes Rancho Cordova truly a great All-America City: our outstanding volunteers,” said Cordova Community Council President David Sander. “It is inspiring to hear their stories of selflessness and commitment to the community.  It is a great reminder that we all have something to offer to our great city.”

Volunteers and volunteer organizations will be honored at “The Great Volunteer Roundup,” a western-themed dinner and awards ceremony. Visit cordovacouncil.org for tickets.

Honorees will include:

Rancho Cordovan of the Year:  The director of instrumental music at Cordova High School for 30 years, Sims will be honored for his influence over a generation of Rancho Cordova teens, while also lending his expertise to sustain and elevate a beloved local tradition, the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Parade.

Distinguished Community Service Individuals: Maxine Yoshida, a 30-year Rancho Cordova resident and volunteer at the Rancho Cordova Food Locker, whose special attention to the needs of homeless visitors has led to the establishment of “Maxine’s Store,” will be honored for her special attention to those who need it most.

Outstanding Service to Youth: Eric McCahon is a dedicated and award-winning high school soccer coach who over 20 years who has developed players who have excelled on the field and in the classroom. Nominated on numerous occasions, McCahon has also worked quietly in the background with students to defuse smoldering ethnic and other friction among student groups.    

Distinguished Community Business Partner: Blue Shield will be honored for impactful corporate citizenship in support of the Rancho Cordova Food Locker.  From corporate programs that sponsor paid volunteer time for employees to hands-on help in packing and distribution of food assets to financial support, Blue Shield is helping ease pressure on local resources called upon to address increasing food insecurity in the community.

Outstanding Teen Service: A member and leader of many youth projects in Rancho Cordova, Valeria Aguilar has provided governance to Mentors at Cordova High (MACH), Rancho Cordova Student Athlete Coalition, Cordova High Golf Team and Rotary Interact Club among many others, displaying outstanding school spirit, dedication and leadership.

We Could Not Have Done It Without You: VIPS (Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff) members assigned to the Rancho Cordova Police Department provide thousands of hours each year in service to the public. Assisting citizens and businesses with crime reports, vacation house checks, supporting the California Capital Airshow, Rancho Cordova Fourth of July, National Night Out and so much more, the group is made up of dedicated individuals with varied life experiences and backgrounds, all working together for a common goal of creating a safe, great hometown within Rancho Cordova.

Inspiring Rancho Cordova: Madelaine Sanderson, an exemplary Rancho Cordova parent volunteer, has been active in a dizzying array of volunteer activities to benefit students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In 2024, Sanderson provided additional inspiration to others by running a campaign for school board, demonstrating that electoral leadership is an opportunity to bring change which is open to all.

The Community Volunteer Awards will feature a cowboy-inspired dinner, awards program and celebration at Rancho Cordova City Hall. The theme-party event opens at 6 p.m. March 14 and is open to the public. All tickets must be purchased in advance at cordovacouncil.org.  Tickets are also on sale at the Cordova Community Council office in Suite 117, Rancho Cordova City Hall.  For more information, visit cordovacouncil.org or call JR Sterba at 916-273-5715.