Among the honorees and celebrants at the Patrick Henry Dinner were (left to right) Chief Justice Bridget McCormack; Jonathan Schwartz of Humble Design; Leah Warren, who portrayed Patrick Henry; Peyton Dixon, a look-alike for Founding Father John Adams; Judge Michael Warren, chair and president of the Patriot Week Foundation; Channelle Kizy-White, Volunteer of the Year honoree; and John Wilson, a Patriot Week Foundation Board member.
Photo courtesy of Judge Michael Warren
By Tom Kirvan
Legal News
In the nick of time, the 7th Annual Patrick Henry Awards Dinner sponsored by the Patriot Week Foundation took place this month at the San Marino Club in Troy, just days before large gatherings of that type took a back seat to the spread of the coronavirus.
Chief Justice Bridget McCormack of the Michigan Supreme Court served as emcee of the event, which featured the presentation of Patriot of the Year Awards, according to Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren.
In 2009, Warren and his then 10-year-old daughter Leah created the Patriot Week Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “renewing America’s spirit” by celebrating the “First Principles, Founding Fathers and other patriots, vital documents, speeches and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history.”
The work of the foundation is showcased during Patriot Week activities each September in connection with 9/11 observances.
“Patriot Week invigorates American citizens’ appreciation and understanding of our nation’s spirit,” Warren said, noting how profoundly that resolve is being tested during the coronavirus pandemic.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard was among the honorees saluted at the Patrick Henry Dinner.
Bouchard, a former state legislator who has served as Oakland County Sheriff since 1999, was the recipient of the coveted Public Service Award from the Patriot Week Foundation.
Humble Design was recognized at the dinner with the Patriot of the Year Organization Award, according to Warren.
The nonprofit supplies donated furniture and household goods to “individuals, families, and veterans emerging from homelessness.”
The Bob Hoisington Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Channelle Kizy-White, a family law attorney in Southfield who has served as treasurer of the Patriot Week Foundation Board of Directors.
The evening’s activities also included the “Presentation of the Colors” by the Civil Air Patrol; the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by John Wilson; a recounting of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech by Leah Warren; and a keynote address by Peyton Dixon, who portrayed John Adams, the second president of the United States.
Also at the awards dinner, Warren offered a special tribute to the late L. Brooks Patterson, the legendary Oakland County executive who died of pancreatic cancer last summer at the age of 80.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
