In the Thursday, May 15, edition of the Butler Eagle, we learned about the winners of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award, and their examples are worth highlighting — and following.

Jerry Andree, a retired Cranberry Township manager now involved with regional programs, and Hannah Shannon, a volunteer with Butler Downtown, Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Butler County Young Professionals, were chosen for their service and celebrated at the 74th Distinguished Service Awards dinner at Butler Country Club.

Both Andree, the senior winner, and Shannon, the junior winner, have made huge impacts on their respective communities.

After serving as Cranberry Township manager for more than three decades, Andree retired in 2021, but that hasn’t really slowed his schedule down. Now he’s a member of the board of directors for both the Cranberry Township Community Chest and Regional Learning Alliance.

Shannon, in addition to belonging to the Butler Downtown board of directors, volunteers with the United Way’s Week of Caring with the Armstrong County Habitat for Humanity and Build-A-Bike events, Helping All Victims in Need’s 2nd Chance Shop and the Center for Community Resources’ Bundle Up Butler.

Both Andree and Shannon are examples of how one person can have an outsized impact. And both of them credited their connection to the community.

“Without the friendships I formed, I would literally not be up here today, so thank you,” Shannon said while accepting the award.

Andree spoke about the connections between each of us and offered advice that’s worth highlighting.

“I ask that you continue to ask one more question, maybe sideline or slow down the use of social media and to always accept an offer to continue the conversation over coffee,” Andree said.

Congratulations to both Andree and Shannon on the well-deserved award.

— JK