Reporter staff
Every March the Seattle CityClub accepts nominations for its Jefferson Awards, which honor “unsung heroes” in communities around the state.
This year, Kent’s very own Marcus Shelton found himself nominated.
Former U.S. Navy officer George Lawson nominated Shelton for his efforts to rename South 231st Street as Veterans Drive. The road has had a history as a major military supply route since it was constructed in 1890. Shelton campaigned for some time to rename the road in honor of all veterans, including his father, Thomas Shelton. It was formally renamed at a ceremony on May 31.
While Shelton ultimately didn’t win an award, the nomination recognizes his efforts to make Kent a better place.
The five award winners in 2014 included Patt Copeland of Seattle, who started a nonprofit to provide those with vision loss the opportunity to experience the arts, and Kevin Mincio of Mercer Island, who started the Team Jesse Foundation, which helps the families of fallen soldiers. All of the nominees and winners will be celebrated at a dinner April 7 at the Seattle Museum of History and Industry at 7 p.m.
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