Cheryl R. Brown

"It always amazes me each year how many people we find who have made a difference in our communities," said League president Gloria Anderson.

This year the League asked for nominations of people who have made a difference in the lives of youth and neighborhood improvement.

"But we also considered those who are involved in other civic and cultural activities," Anderson said.

Brown, who has been active in the community for many years, is being honored for her advocacy for the community's youth.

Patricia Green-Lee

Mountains Community Activist Hugh Bialecki, Junior University youth theatrical production artistic director and co-founder Patsy Dixon, Assistance League leader and fundraiser Carol Dixon-Cahill and San Bernardino Public Library principal librarian Millicent Price are also being honored for their community involvement.

Other recipients: Laura Dyberg, founder of the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance who heads up the San Bernardino National Forest Association Fire Education Program; Clara Franklin, an activist for the Arrowhead Suburban Farms Neighborhood Association and the Community Development Alliance; Michelle Freeman, of Time for Change Foundation, who works with women recovering from domestic violence, drug addiction and incarceration; Randy Hlebasko, a San Gorgonio High teacher and coach who also heads up the Sturges Summer Academy, providing low-income, inner-city youth training in the visual and performing arts; and Peggy Scoggin, a pioneer in diabetic health education who founded after school programs to teach low-income children about diet and exercise through play.

Also: Loma Linda activist Ardyce Koobs, who works in various civic groups and activities, especially those for children; Lake Arrowhead teacher and mentor Gordon Cornell Layne, who writes, directs and produces programs that are performed free to the public; Mountain Fifes and Drums founder Cindy Olson; Lytle Creek volunteer Ellen Pollema; teacher Jim Trotter, who founded Cajon High School's peer leadership class that encourages the students to become active in their communities.

The Citizens of Achievement Awards will be presented 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino. Admission is $20; refreshments will be served.