At her State of the City address at the South Salt Lake Community Center on March 16 Mayor Cherie Wood presented Best of the City awards to several individuals, groups and businesses.

“This is where we get to award and recognize some of the most amazing residents, businesses and community groups that are the special sauce to our city,” she said.

Citizen of the Year: Kevin Miller

The Citizen of the Year award was presented to Kevin Miller, a man Wood described as a quintessential "community builder." Miller’s impact on the region spans decades, blending a professional life of service with a retirement dedicated to civic engagement, she said.

“Throughout his professional career, as well as now in retirement, he has focused his energy on building and strengthening relationships that contribute to the greater good,” Wood said.

For more than 20 years, Miller served in student services at Salt Lake Community College. During that time, he led critical efforts across diversity and multicultural affairs, as well as ADA coordination, ensuring that the college remained an inclusive space for all, she said. His commitment to structural fairness followed him into his local civic life; when South Salt Lake launched its Civilian Review Board in 2020, Miller served as one of its founding members.

Beyond policy work, Miller is a constant presence at city functions, including Community Connect, mayoral events, city celebrations and public hearings. As a resident of District 3, he is known for his neighborly spirit. 

"He is friends with all of his neighbors and values South Salt Lake’s ‘small town feel’ and frequently encourages others to get involved,” Wood said.

“Kevin is a shining example of the fact that you don’t have to run for office to effect change in your city,” she said. “Anyone can make a difference by attending public meetings, joining a board or commission, or simply staying informed.”

Legacy Family of the Year: The Lilo and Oto’ota Finau family

Wood also honored the deep roots of the Lilo and Oto’ota Finau family, naming them the Legacy Family of the Year. The Finaus moved to South Salt Lake in 1980, settling into a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house on Roberta Street. In that modest home, they raised nine children and instilled in each of them “a deep sense of service and community-mindedness,” according to Wood.

The family’s philosophy was simple. Their daughter, Myrna, recalled the household expectations: “If a neighbor’s fence was down, you fixed it. If a city event needed hands, you showed up.”

At Madison Elementary, Central Junior, Granite Park and Granite High School the Finau children represented their peers in student government, performed in music departments and competed in athletics. As adults, many transitioned into careers within the city government. This includes a seat on the Planning Commission formerly held by daughter Linda Brown, and the current Deputy Director of Recreation, Myrna Clark. Today, Brown and her husband Dave live in the original family home on Roberta Street, which remains the central gathering point for the entire family.

“Though Lilo and Oto’ota have since passed on, the values of service and community live on strongly through the whole family,” Wood said. “We are proud to be the city that the Finaus have chosen to call home, and grateful for the years of service that they have dedicated to helping their neighbors and building our community.”

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Following the keynote honors, Wood recognized a diverse group of leaders, educators and entrepreneurs who contribute to the city’s vibrant culture with special awards:

Aging with Pride: Donna Wagstaff

Young Leader of the Year: Ulises Alvarado Morales

Social Impact Champion: Vince Savaiinaea

Community Builder: The Larry and Terri Jensen family

Council Champion: Clarissa Williams, at-large representative

JustServe Hero Volunteer of the Year: Natalie Prince

Teacher of the Year: Reanna Cook

United Way and Promise SSL Partner of the Year: Utah After-school Network

Community Advocate: One Burton, a project by Abstract Development Group

Best Creative Business: Material Gallery

Best Small Business of the Year: Creole & Sliders

Employee of the Year: The COMMIT Community Impact Team

Kindness in Action Employees of the Year: Gualberto “Beto” Diaz and Ofaloto “Mo” Niu

Sustainability Leader: Tracy Aviary Nature Center at Pia Okwai