Koshers honored for their service

Cornell residents Julie (left) and Pat Kosher were awarded the 2022 Citizen of the Year honor June 18, for their many years of dedicated service to their community. In front of family and friends, the couple received the surprise award – in the middle of yet another volunteer effort of serving chicken. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It was a well-kept secret who would receive the 2022 Citizen of the Year, during the Cornell Community Fair June 18. So much so, that this year’s recipients had to be “tricked” out of the kitchen at Mill Yard Park, where they were serving chicken, to witness the surprise announcement.

“Pat and Julie Kosher are the type of people this world needs – and the type that Cornell needs – and their contribution to the community should not only be remembered, but it should be celebrated,” said Ashley Carothers, reading a list of the couple’s accomplishments compiled by mayor Mark Larson.

For three decades, Pat and Julie Kosher have dedicated their lives, invested their talents and devoted their hearts, to the community they call home. As they raised their family, the couple made an indelible mark on the town and the people they came in contact with.

As a teacher, Pat brought science to life in memorable ways, that not only taught important concepts, but engaged even the toughest students, in a love of learning to last a lifetime; even now, with kids of their own, many students still remark fondly of their former teacher.

He’s also served the community as a Cornell Lions Club member and Police Commission member, along with dozens of other untold ventures and projects.

Years ago, when Julie was an active member of the PTA, she was one of a group who developed a plan to meet signifi cant needs in Cornell, forming a Community Learning Center (CLC). After a grant was received in 2001, to do just that, Julie was hired as the grant coordinator and the rest is history, as she continues to help write grants for the CLC, even in retirement.

Julie also served on the CLC Advisory Board and made her mark in many other countless ways. She and Pat can be spotted at events around the community, most recently, at the annual Outdoor Edventure, where they helped youth create colorful and fun walking sticks, while telling them about the natural beauty of the Ice Age Trail that runs right through Cornell.

Despite their many involvements with Cornell and its residents, Pat and Julie remain humble, and while grateful for the award, modestly brushed off compliments.

“Both of us feel it’s important to give back to the community and believe in something that makes people stronger,” said Pat.