Burien’s “Citizen of the Year” strongly encouraged residents to volunteer at local schools during ceremonies honoring him Feb. 27.

John Feeney, a volunteer at New Start High, has been named Burien’s Citizen of the Year” by the Burien City Council.

“When you watch the news everything you see is “Armageddon,” commented Feeney. ”When you volunteer and go to schools you see an uplifting, different world.” Feeney especially touted teaching reading to the students.

“If you can read, you learn anything,” Feeney declared.

In accepting the award for his volunteering work, Feeney noted, “The City Council can only do so
much—beyond that we have to do it ourselves.”

At the council’s Feb. 13 meeting, Councilman Gerald Robison praised Feeney for his low-profile
involvement in the community and his help to neighbors.

Feeney has performed volunteer work at New Start, an alternative high school in White Center. He has worked with students in identifying and getting rid of invasive species as well as installing native plants in Salmon Creek Ravine.

Beverly Mowrer, a New Start teacher, was recently honored for her conservation work with the New
Start students. Mowrer received the highest honor in the 2012 Golden Apple Awards sponsored by KCTS 9.

Feeney also helped a student build a greenhouse as part of the student’s senior project.

In addition, Feeney is a reading volunteer at several elementary schools and been active in Sustainable Burien.

In naming a single “Citizen of the Year” the City Council returned to a tradition begun when Burien was first incorporated.

Recently, the city has partnered with Discover Burien to present awards to several residents during an annual dinner.

Discover Burien is hosting its awards dinner and silent auction fundraiser on Friday, March 2 at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. S.W., 6-9 p.m.

Awards will be given for Business Leader of the Year, Non-profit Leader of the Year, Discover Burien Volunteer of the Year, Student of the Year and Clean Sweep team member recognition. The student winner will receive a $500 scholarship.

See accompanying story for the winners’ names.

Robinson Newspapers and the Highline Times will also be presenting its annual Robby Award to a Burien resident or businessperson for outstanding community service.