Photo: Courtesy Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce

An enthusiastic crowd of around 90 people toasted the incredible achievements of Schroon Laker Kate Huston last night at the 2012 Citizen of the Year ceremony.

Kate was joined by friends and members of the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, as well as her family and former co-workers, many of whom have travelled from far and wide, for the dinner at the World of Life Inn dining room.

When we last spoke to Kate she was “nervous” about the event. “I am truly much more comfortable being in the background. I am not used to being in the spotlight,” Kate said.

Kate said she was most looking forward to having her out of town family be here for last night’s ceremony.

“I am very humbled by this. My feet haven’t hit the ground since I found out about the award.”

Rosemarie Ritson, from the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, said Kate’s accomplishments were celebrated by speakers from the various organizations she has volunteered for over the course of more than a decade.

Speakers included Mike Bush, current president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ed Donley from the Schroon Lake Senior Center, Betty Organek and Father Sturtz from Kate’s church, Our Lady of Lourdes, Patti Mehm from the Chamber and Kate’s husband John.

Roger Friedman presented Kate a proclamation on behalf of the Town Of Schroon, and Meg Wood, on behalf of Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, also presented a proclamation to Kate.

“This award meant so much to Kate because she wasn’t looking for it,” Councilman Friedman, a former Citizen of the Year recipient, told Schroon Laker today.

”Kate’s speech was so much from the heart. She doesn’t do what she does for the accolades or thank yous. Volunteering is what she is compelled to do”.

Kate was surprised by a number of former co-workers from the Shenendehowa School District, near Albany, who made the trip to honor her. She was a school bus driver there for many years.

Kate has an impressive resume as a volunteer. She’s been involved with the Senior Citizens Club as past president, the Board of Directors and van driver; former member of the Lions Club and Board member, Adirondack Marathon transportation chairperson and driver; Our Lady of Lourdes catholic church on the Parish Council, chair of the social committee and Bereavement committee and also a Lector and Eucharistic Minister; volunteers at the Tri-County nursing home; organized and chaired the Chamber of Commerce Old Tyme Christmas Celebration for 5 years as well as assisting with other activities; member of the Fish and Game Club and volunteers with their many activities including fishing derbies; chairperson of the July 4^th Celebration for 3 years.

Do you have a memory about Kate you’d like to share? Tell us in comments.