Today we are excited to announce the winners of the 2019 Pioneer of the Year Awards.
As always, we turned to our readers in 2019 to nominate individuals who they felt had the biggest positive impact on Amarillo over the past year. Nominations were plentiful, and ten individuals were advanced on as finalists in our readers’ vote. The nominees this year came from a variety of backgrounds, but all were named by our readers as worthy of the honor.
At the same time, we introduced two brand new categories this year, asking our readers to pick the Business of the Year and the Community Organization of the Year. Our readers did not disappoint.
Here are the winners, as selected by you, the readers of the Amarillo Pioneer.
2019 Pioneer of the Year
This award honors the person who our readers feel has had the biggest positive impact on Amarillo over the past year. This is our “person of the year” award, with the recipient selected by the readers.
Anderson/Photo by PETS Clinic of Amarillo Facebook
WINNER: Dacia Anderson, executive director of the PETS Clinic of Amarillo
As executive director of the PETS Clinic of Amarillo, Dacia Anderson has been one of the leading advocates for responsible pet ownership in Amarillo. The PETS Clinic of Amarillo was launched in mid-2019 and provides low-cost spays and neuters, veterinary services, and community-focused programs for pet owners in Amarillo.
Runner-Ups:
Kori Clements, former Amarillo High School volleyball coach
Amanda Brown Hunter, community activist
2019 Business of the Year
Polk Street Nutrition/Photo by Facebook
WINNER: Polk Street Nutrition
Runner-Ups:
Leal’s Mexican Restaurant
Amarillo Sod Poodles
2019 Organization of the Year
Photo by Gracie’s Project Facebook
WINNER: Gracie’s Project
Runner-Ups:
PETS Clinic of Amarillo
High Plains Food Bank