Jerry Richardson was named the winner of the Rick Hill Meritorious Award by the Warrior Athletic Association between games of the LCSC basketball doubleheader held last week in Lewiston.
He was the only Prairie nominee that made the list of finalists.
Other Prairie nominees were Zach Rambo for male athlete of the year; Laney Forsmann for female athlete of the year; Prairie girls basketball for team of the year and Lori Mader for coach of the year.
Following is the nomination letter submitted by the school:
Jerry Richardson has served in the Cottonwood School District for over 47 years. For 38 years Jerry served as a shop teacher and volunteer at nearly every event put on in our school district.
Since his retirement in 2013, Jerry has served as a volunteer and avid supporter of high school students, mentoring a countless number of students through the years and serving and working
with student’s on construction senior projects. When an extra hand is needed, Jerry is the first to be called and he is a constant presence in our school and at our activities.
Most notably, Jerry makes a point to not only attend home and away athletic events, but he frequently donates to various programs to help cover costs for students who may have financial difficulty.
Most recently, this summer, Jerry spearheaded the building of our Booster Club’s burger barn in memory of his wife Janet. Profits from the Burger Barn go directly to supporting our student
athletes in the classroom and on the playing field. In doing so Jerry also took it upon himself to mentor two students in this process for their senior project. Currently, he is volunteering his time
in our wood shop, assisting students and our instructor to help guide students on various wood projects. Not only does he enjoy these activities, but he works tirelessly to show all of our students that they are supported in their endeavors. I believe Jerry Richardson is not only an excellent candidate by virtue of his 47 years of service to the Cottonwood School district, but is the embodiment of the Rick Hill Meritorious Service Award, representing someone who freely gives of his time to ensure that all our kids feel valued and supported in their endeavors on the field and in the classroom.