At their 71st Annual Awards Banquet Thursday night, the Gainesville Jaycees named the 2015 Young Man and Young Woman of the year.
Jessica Butler was selected as Young Woman of the Year, while Philip “Phip” Wilheit, Jr. was honored as the Young Man of the Year.
Heidi Ferguson, the 2014 Young Woman of the Year honoree, presented Butler’s award. Butler is the Executive Director of Gateway Domestic Violence Center, but Ferguson said Butler lends her time to many more causes in the community. She noted Butler’s work with United Way, Guest House, Brenau University, Kiwanis, Junior League, Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Good News Clinic.
2014 Young Man of the Year Trey Wood presented Phip Wilheit with the 2015 award. Wood recognized Wilheit’s numerous leadership roles within the community including the boards of the John Jarrard Foundation, United Way of Hall County, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Wood also mentioned Wilheit’s achievements in his business career with Wilheit Packaging and his involvement in state and national politics.
The Young Man and Young Woman of the Year Awards recognize young leaders in Hall County for their achievements in leadership and service to the community. The Young Man of the Year award dates back to 1945, and the Young Woman of the Year honor has been presented since 2001. The purpose of the award is not only to honor deserving young men and women, but also to inspire the community to pursue civic service with selfless devotion.
