2025 Avon Lake Citizen and Project of the Year announced by Community Council

05/27/2026 – Avon Lake, Ohio – The Avon Lake Community Council is excited to announce the 2025 Avon Lake Citizen of the Year recipients, the Sheard family, and the 2025 Project of the Year winner, Fall Fest, a Kiwanis-sponsored event in its third season. These winners were chosen by the 24 organizations that make up the Avon Lake Community Council from an excellent pool of nominees.

The Sheard family, Citizen of the Year awardees, have provided an open hockey rink in their front yard for all families and children to use for the past 10 years in memory of their son Michael. The Sheards also build, maintain, and provide hockey equipment for all who need it. “Their selflessness, dedication, and ability to bring people together makes them well deserving of this community award”, stated Martin O’Donnell, President of the Avon Lake Community Council.
The Kiwanis-sponsored Fall Fest, 2025 Project of the Year, brought over 1000 people for food, games, and the opportunity to raise scholarship funds for qualified Avon Lake graduating seniors. “The event is a collaboration of many volunteers, local organizations, and business sponsorships which bring families together and create memories for all”, stated Martin O’Donnell. “It makes our community special.”

Avon Lake Community Council will also be recognizing their first scholarship recipient.

The Citizen of the Year award, Project of the Year award, and scholarship will be given on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Lake Public Library with a light dinner served.

The Avon Lake Community Council is made up of community organizations, including local service groups, businesses, sports programs, and others. These organizations meet four times a year to share knowledge and work together to help with membership, fundraising, and resource sharing.

For more information about Avon Lake Community Council, contact Martin O’Donnell at 440-933-7310.

###