Golden Valley Rotary Names Nonprofit Founder Citizen of the Year

A handful of Golden Valley residents were honored recently for their exceptional service to the city and the community at large.

The Golden Valley Rotary presented Michelle Christensen with its prestigious Citizen of the Year award. Christensen is the founder of One Good Deed, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to grassroots community outreach.

One Good Deed is best known for its annual “Scarf Bombing” campaign. During these initiatives, volunteers distribute clothing, food and personal care items throughout metro area parks, leaving them safely accessible for neighbors experiencing need.

Upon receiving the award, Christensen expressed immense gratitude for the community that supports her mission.

“I’m so incredibly grateful and honored to be selected within a community of so many wonderful people that have so many helping hands and hearts,” Christensen said. “I never fail to find people that are willing to step up and help at any occasion.”

Michelle Christensen of One Good Deed holds up her Citizen of the Year Award, courtesy of the Golden Valley Rotary.

Local Graduates Receive Scholarships for ‘Service Above Self’

In addition to celebrating community leaders, the Golden Valley Rotary provided a financial boost to several recent high school graduates as they prepare for their freshman years of college.

Amelia Schulz of Hopkins High School and Ajay Nicholas of Perpich Arts High School each received $1,000 scholarships. Both students were recognized for their academic excellence, dedicated volunteer work, and for exemplifying the Rotary’s core motto: “Service Above Self.”

For Schulz, leadership and community impact go hand-in-hand, no matter the scale.

“Leadership can be seen in all different aspects of life,” Schulz said. “Regardless of what you want to do, being a leader—even if that’s small, and just being a leader of your friend group—it matters. And giving back always matters because ultimately you were given something to begin with.”

Nicholas credited his upbringing and early volunteer experiences with shaping his drive to help others.

“Growing up, I was very involved with volunteering in food shelves and other things like that,” Nicholas said. “Just getting to experience that really made me feel like there was more that I could do within my community to benefit everybody.”

Both scholars have bright futures ahead. Nicholas is heading to Chicago this fall to attend DePaul University, while Schulz is packing her bags for the University of Mississippi.

A third high school student, Sophia Buck of Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, also received a scholarship but was unable to attend the awards banquet. 

Students Amelia Schulz and Ajay Nicholas are recognized at the Golden Valley Rotary’s annual awards luncheon on June 23.

Related: One Good Deed’s ‘Scarf Bomb’ Spreads Warmth in Record Numbers

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