The Foundation Honors Exceptional Local Volunteers with Hinsch Community Service Awards

The Piqua Community Foundation honored outstanding local volunteers with The Scott J. and Margaret W. Hinsch Community Service Awards in February. Local nonprofit organizations nominated individuals who demonstrated extraordinary commitment in 2024, highlighting those who consistently went above and beyond in supporting the organization.

John and Marsha Hinsch, along with Dr. Linda Hinsch Campbell, established The Hinsch Family Fund of The Piqua Community Foundation to honor the legacy of volunteerism embodied by their parents, Scott J. and Margaret W. Hinsch. Scott and Margaret devoted their lives to service, always finding ways to support various organizations in Piqua.

Each year, the fund’s committee reviews nominations and selects recipients who best reflect this legacy. This year, the committee selected three awardees from a competitive field. Each recipient received a commemorative glass plaque, and the nominating nonprofit organization was awarded a $2,000 unrestricted grant from The Hinsch Family Fund.

Award Recipients:

Mary Lou Fierce, George Sweetman and Kate Sweetman – Garden Tribe Schoolyard Garden with Piqua City Schools
Erin Moran and Dana Treon – All Kids Bike Program at Washington Primary School
Sandy Hemm – YWCA Piqua

Garden Tribe Schoolyard Garden with Piqua City Schools

Ruth A. Koon, Founder of the Garden Tribe Schoolyard Garden, nominated Master Gardeners Mary Lou, George, and Kate for their outstanding work. In 2024, the trio led efforts to replace the deteriorating wooden raised beds with new metal installations. The upgraded garden will continue to provide all fifth-grade students in Piqua the opportunity to learn about healthy eating and gardening. Since the garden’s inception in 2017, these Master Gardeners have dedicated countless hours to developing lesson plans and supervising the planting and harvesting of crops.

“When we established the garden in 2017, a lot of sweat and tears were put into it, but Mary Lou, George and Kate have made it continue since then. We could not do it without them!”

Ruth A. Koon

Founder, Garden Tribe Schoolyard Garden

All Kids Bike Program at Washington Primary School

Holly Peeples, the physical education teacher at Washington Primary School, nominated Erin Moran and Dana Treon for their exceptional work with the All Kids Bike Program. After Piqua City Schools received grant funding for Strider Conversion Bikes, the task of teaching more than 120 kindergarten students to ride seemed challenging. However, Erin and Dana stepped forward as parent volunteers, completing specialized training and dedicating two months to supporting every kindergarten PE class.

“We are so appreciative of our volunteers, Erin and Dana, and all the work they put into the All Kids Bike program. Without them, Holly could not have taught 120+ kindergartners how to ride bikes, and we had everybody riding without training wheels before the end of the series. They (Erin & Dana) were wonderful and very vital to our program.”

Heather Koehl

Principal, Washington Primary School

YWCA Piqua

Executive Director Leesa Baker, along with Board Trustees Nanci McMaken and Cornelia Tinkler, nominated Sandy Hemm for her exemplary leadership overseeing the YWCA renovation in 2024. This major renovation – the first since 1992 – was a comprehensive overhaul that enhanced the facility’s safety, security and energy efficiency. Under Sandy’s guidance, the project involved securing donations and grants, overseeing design and construction and addressing challenges along the way.

“Sandy has devoted decades to the YWCA Piqua and has served its membership in many capacities. In 2024, she led a comprehensive effort to renovate, restore and revitalize the YWCA facility and grounds on Wayne St. Sandy truly championed this monumental project from start to finish, just as she always championed the mission of the YWCA Piqua.”

Leesa Baker

Executive Director, YWCA Piqua

To view video footage from the surprise awards presentations, visit The Piqua Community Foundation’s Facebook page.