‘The Least I Could Do’: Several Newporters Honored at Awards Ceremony

By Dylan Marsh
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
NEWPORT-The Newport Area Chamber Of Commerce held their 52nd annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 18th at the Newport Opera House. The annual awards have been given to members and businesses of the community since 1976 and are awarded to Newporters who have improved their community in one way or another.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Tim Spanos, a long time local high school teacher. Business of the Year was given to Coronis Market, a beloved institution of Newport. The Jake Maxfield Connection was given the Non-Profit Organization of the Year. Student achievement awards were also awarded to students that have not only excelled in class, but also as members of their community.

Hosted by chamber member Steven Smith, a moment was taken to acknowledge the other members of the chamber, as well as exciting upcoming events in Newport, including Concerts on The Common, Newport Brew Fest, and Wings and Wheels at the Parlin Airport. A block party in July has also been scheduled for the town.

Smith also took a moment to give a nod to MJ Harrington for crafting and donating the awards, Mrs. Stevens and Newport High School for creating the floral arrangements, and the Old Courthouse Restaurant for providing hors d’oeuvres for the event. “We truly have an amazing community and all of the winners really show how great this town is,” said Smith in regards to the evening’s proceedings.

The Chamber of Commerce recently appointed a new Executive Director, Shannon MacMichael, after former Director Ella Casey retired after 40 years of service. MacMichael, the former President of the Board, was replaced by current President Brandy Waterman. Casey was unfortunately unable to attend as she was ill during the event.

“She was like the Mayor of Newport. Nobody will ever fill Ella’s shoes,” Waterman said of Casey.

Spanos, pulling double duty, not only received an award but also handed out the Student Achievement Awards as well.

“It is my honor to present to you four of the top students. These kids consistently are able to produce despite a number of stresses, and we couldn’t be more proud of them,” Spanos said at the ceremony.

Amelia Gelina, Reece Johnson, Devyn Heino, and Riely Skarin were the four students honored with Achievement Awards. Gelina, who is in the top 10 of her class, attended St. Paul’s study program, and is part of Project Lead The Way, Student Council, Youth in Government, and intends to go to the University of New Hampshire to study Chemical Engineering. Johnson, also in the top 10 of his class, is the President of the National Honors Society, won the Peer Pride Award, won MVP of his soccer team, and volunteers at the Library Arts Center. Skarin, another top 10 class member, also attended St. Paul’s Advanced Study Program with a focus on social issues, is a member of Student Council and Future Business Leaders Of America, and plans to study business in college. Heino completed the Automotive, Welding, and Forestry Programs at the Sugar River Valley Tech Center, plays football, basketball and baseball, is a member of the Technical Honor Society, and volunteers with Newport High School maintenance staff.

“Students like this make us want to come to work everyday,” Spanos said of the recipients.

Paul Brown introduced The Jake Maxfield Connection, a non-profit organization in Newport dedicated to providing community service, literacy education, and college scholarships. The organization was founded in 2009 to honor the memory of Jake Maxfield. The organization donates thousands of books to children, offers free literacy tutoring, and does book drives. They have given out $35,000 in scholarships and invested $10,000 in local business to support teachers, students and staff safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are truly humbled and honored, we never could have accomplished this alone or without the support of the community,” said recipient Mary Maxfield.

Brian Coronis accepted the Business Award on behalf of Coronis Market. The Sunapee Street market has been serving up their “world famous grinders” for nearly 100 years. John Coronis would purchase the business from his father, Brian’s grandfather, and was credited with creating the “often imitated, never duplicated” Coronis grinder. Brian Coronis took over the business in 1994 and since has been a “Newport tradition and a champion for the community.” Coronis gave a special thank you to family and friends, including longtime store staples Patty and “unofficial store manager” Stanley.

Jeff Miller, a former Citizen of the Year recipient, presented the award to Tim Spanos. An incredibly humbled Spanos came up to give an impassioned speech about the honor of winning the award. Spanos went to Newport High School, studied at the University of Vermont, and after a number of years at other jobs, began teaching math in 2001.

He has also coached for many years and holds a record for winning his only and only time coaching the girls field hockey game. The focus of Spanos’ speech however were the accomplishments of his prolific family. Spanos’ father studied at Harvard Law, and was the first, and only, Vice President of the NH State Senate. Spanos’ uncle was drafted by the Chicago Cubs but after an injury during World War II was unable to play. Another uncle became a trial attorney and ultimately a prosecutor for Sullivan County. He went on to list a number of other family members impressive accomplishments.

“It was the least I could do. I’m barely worthy of carrying forth their legacy. There are more amazing people who supported, inspired and reformed me in the town,” said Spanos. “I love my family, neighborhood, town, and school.”

Spanos plans to enjoy his upcoming retirement to focus on family and smoking meats.