2024 Spirit of Our Community Awards

Written By: Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce | Issue: Whats News

It is with great excitement and pride that we announce the recipients of this year’s Spirit Awards. These remarkable individuals have shown an unwavering commitment to making a difference and embodying the heart of our community. We are truly fortunate to have these individuals as part of our community. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for all they do to make our community a better place! In celebration of their achievements, we will honor them at the 50th Cashiers Christmas Peppermint Stick Parade on Saturday, December 7. The parade starts at 3:00 p.m. and we hope to see you there! Without further ado, let’s shine a well-deserved spotlight on our honorees:

Citizen of the Year, Harriet Karro

Harriet tirelessly moderates, updates, and manages the ‘Cashiers Community Together’ Facebook group with remarkable consistency, kindness, and a positive attitude. She provides valuable information to a group that often has diverse viewpoints, handling it with grace and respect. For the past four and a half years, Harriet has dedicated herself to this role, guiding the community through growth, a pandemic, Hurricane Helene and the challenges that come with a rapidly expanding group. Her unwavering commitment to the group is truly noteworthy. Harriet consistently shares interesting photos with thoughtful captions, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the group. With over 10,000 members, the group has truly taken on a life of its own, and Harriet is at the heart of it.

Businessperson of the Year, Daniel Fletcher, Brett Stewart and Taylor Stewart of Outland Hospitality Group

Daniel Fletcher, along with brothers, Brett Stewart and Taylor Stewart, of the Outland Hospitality Group, have been integral to the success and growth of Hotel Cashiers and Wine Bar. Recently, they expanded their investment by purchasing the Slab Town shopping center, further solidifying their commitment to Cashiers.

Brett and Taylor, who grew up in Cashiers, have deep roots in the area, while Daniel, though newer to the community, has quickly become a driving force. He has actively engaged with local organizations, joining the JCTDA, Cashiers Planning Council, and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce boards, demonstrating his dedication to the future of our town. Brett and Taylor also serve on various boards, working alongside local leaders to help guide the community’s growth responsibly.

Through Hotel Cashiers, this team has been a steadfast supporter of the greater Cashiers community, consistently opening their doors for events, sponsorships, and partnerships that benefit our local organizations. This year, they expanded the Wine Bar to include dinner service, recognizing a valuable opportunity in the market to further enhance the dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Their continuous contributions to the community, both through their business ventures and their involvement in local initiatives, make them deserving of recognition as pillars of the Cashiers area.

Educator of the Year, Kurt Pusch, Summit Charter School

Since arriving in Cashiers in 2019, Kurt has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to academic excellence, and a positive impact on our community. His achievements in fostering both academic success and a positive school culture make him a very deserving candidate for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award. As Summit’s Head of School, Kurt has overseen the following:

-A 37% increase in enrollment over the past five years, marking Summit’s largest enrollment since its founding.

-Expansion of school facilities, including the opening of a new gymnasium, classrooms for music and art, a fitness center, and the completion of Phase I and II of new high school buildings.

-86% of K-5 students and 94% of middle school students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in math on end-of-year growth assessments.

-Doubling the number of K-5 and middle school students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in reading, showcasing an improvement in literacy achievement across the school.

-An expanded curriculum with 10 honors courses and 5 Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered in high school

-Unprecedented positive faculty satisfaction and strong family engagement, making Summit a place where both students and staff feel supported and valued.

-Athletics improvements, including 5 Tri-State Athletic Conference championships in middle school sports, including girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, girls basketball, and girls soccer. Mr. Pusch also introduced and successfully created Summit’s Lacrosse program.

-100% of Summit’s Class of 2022, 2023, and 2024 earned admission to college, with 151 offers from 60+ colleges and universities.

Kurt champions Summit’s Seven Virtues, embedding them into the curriculum and fostering character development in students. “Each day in my words and my deeds, I will do my best to live these seven virtues: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, and Giving.” His dedication to both academic and personal growth makes him a deserving candidate for this award.

Volunteer of the Year, Chris Jefferson

Chris leads a bi-monthly Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group in Cashiers, and her impact on both patients and caregivers is immeasurable. Drawing from years of experience, she provides practical advice that helps caregivers improve safety and quality of life for their loved ones. A wealth of knowledge on the medical system and the many options available for dementia patients, Chris is also an invaluable resource for the often-overlooked task of end-of-life legal and financial planning. Most importantly, she is dedicated to advocating for caregivers, always reminding them that they must care for themselves to care for others. She has an uncanny ability to recognize when a caregiver is becoming overwhelmed, offering comfort, encouragement, and practical solutions. While most support groups meet monthly, Chris goes above and beyond with twice-monthly sessions, and is always available for calls, texts, emails, and in-person meetings. Many enter her sessions in tears, but leave with smiles and laughter. Chris truly saves lives and preserves the sanity of those she helps.

Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year, Danie Beck

Danie’s tireless volunteer work and dedication to the Cashiers area span multiple organizations and initiatives, making her a standout candidate across several award categories. Since moving to the area, Danie has become a vibrant and indispensable force in our community. She is an active member and board member for local organizations such as Cashiers School of the Arts and Cashiers Cares. Danie’s boundless energy and professional background in dance and the arts have been a tremendous asset. She has volunteered with the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, served as the Cashiers Christmas Parade starter for many years, taught dance lessons, and volunteers at event benefitting the Cashiers Historical Society and The Village Green. She has worked at the polls and if all that was not enough, Danie is finalizing a book on managing dance studios, which will be a valuable resource to the international dance community. While her involvement spans many sectors, her contributions to arts education, particularly in dance and movement, have been especially impactful. Danie has nurtured both children and adults, enriching our community’s cultural life through her expertise and dedication.

Evergreen Award, Paul Robshaw & Vision Cashiers for Walk Cashiers

Paul Robshaw and Vision Cashiers have masterfully navigated the complex and vital task of enhancing the walkability of our village. Through their leadership and dedication, they have brought together the community in ways that were once thought difficult, connecting neighbors, visitors, and businesses alike. The challenge of improving walkability, a longtime aspiration for Cashiers, has been met with remarkable success under their guidance. The recent completion of Phase 1 of the Walk Cashiers project, along with the previous pathway through The Village Green, features 1.6 miles of accessible, paved walking trails, and is a testament to the success of Paul’s efforts. With thoughtful additions such as night lighting and fiber optic communications, this phase exemplifies Paul and Vision Cashiers’ commitment to ensuring that the future of Cashiers is not only accessible but also forward-thinking. Walk Cashiers, through Paul’s vision, and the collective efforts of its Board of Directors and Visions Cashiers volunteers have brought new vitality to our village, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for generations to come.