Tracey Ackman honored as Spencer citizen of the year

For her work to promote Spencer’s youth and other organizations in her community, Tracey Ackman was recognized last week with the Spencer Chamber’s of Commerce’s 2020 citizen of the year award.

Ackman, one of nine individuals nominated for the honor, was presented with a plaque during the final Concert in the Park of August. Jeremy Carolfi made the presentation in between songs by Spencer native Doug Kroening.

Ackman serves on the boards of directors for the Spencer Kids Group and the Spencer Community Boosters. She’s secretary of SKG, and is the marketing/public relations coordinator for the Booster Club.

“Tracey organizes events and fundraisers and volunteers her time tirelessly working at many events, taking vacation days to work on community projects and lunch breaks spent running around town doing shopping and hanging posters,” Carolfi said.

Ackman has also been president of the youth wrestling group, and has planned and ran tournaments.

“If there is a wrestling event, Tracey is there,” Carolfi said. “Tracey is always there to lend a hand when needed. Her commitment to making Spencer a great place for us to live can be seen through the results of her work.”

Others who were nominated for this year’s top citizen honor were Wayne Frome, Shawn Bauer, Lindsey Hinrichsen, Deb Schafer, Erica Schober, Ron Draeger, Lori Andres and Linda Hinrichsen.”

Some of the comments made by persons entering nominations for the various finalists included: -- “Volunteering is something she devotes endless hours to.”

-- “He gave his heart to children that needed a home.”

-- “Through her organizational skills and fiscal prowess, this event began to take shape and brought back this event for the community.”

-- “She is a young woman that sees the importance of volunteering to make the community you live in better.”

-- “He has been instrumental in building the Spencer Police Dept. into a team we can be proud of.”

-- “He is willing to do what needs to be done on his own.”

-- “She cares very much for her community and sets the example for other businesses to thrive in the same manner.”

-- “She is always there to help the kids of the community.”

-- “She has shown the power and responsibility of giving back to the community in which you live.”

DEAN LESAR/STAFF PHOTO