Duncan Gets Reneker Service Award At Winona Community Dinner
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – Former Jefferson Elementary School principal Denny Duncan received the Bill Reneker Community Service Award Thursday night for his dedication to the town.
Duncan received the award during the annual Winona Lake Community Appreciation Dinner at The Hub in Winona Lake.
The theme was “A Community Of Grace: Winona Lake.”
Winona Lake marks its 100th anniversary in 2013. Winona became a town in 1913.
Grace College is marking its 75th anniversary this year.
The award honors Bill Reneker, former Winona Lake town council president, who died in 1993.
Judy Reneker Burd presents the award each year in honor of her late husband. The award is to recognize an individual who makes a contribution to the betterment of Winona Lake.
Duncan served as principal at Jefferson Elementary for the past 18 years, retiring in August.
He worked for more than 30 years in the Warsaw Community School system.
He graduated from Grace College in 1980, earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He recently accepted a position with Grace College as Director of Prison Ministry.
He has taught courses in the college’s education department.
He has worked closely with Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, encouraging the church to get involved in various groups and with the school.
Reneker Burd said Duncan has qualities that Reneker had – he loves children and always had a smile on his face.
“I know Bill would have been very pleased that Denny received this award,” Reneker Burd said.
Duncan thanked Reneker Burd for the award.
“Bill was a mentor and friend to me and to have my name on a plaque with his is an honor,” Duncan said.
“To be recognized for having the greatest job anyone can have in their life, it’s hard to think I deserve this honor and should be thanking all of you for the opportunity to serve the community.”
Duncan said he is humbled and honored to receive the award.
Home improvement awards were presented by Town Council President Randy Swanson during the dinner.
Recipients were David and Jill Schroeder, 116 Peachtree Lane; Annelies Campbell, 1201 E. Canal St.; Caleb and Courtney France, 108 W. 12th St.; and Bruce Shaffner and Nick Chapman, business partners who did renovations to a home at 208 Chestnut St.
Warsaw Boy Scout Troop 715 presented the colors and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Classic Catering provided the dinner.
Bruce Barlow, Grace Brethren Community Church pastor, provided the prayer.
Businesses and churches in the town were thanked for their service.
The dinner committee included Reneker Burd, Craig Allebach, Rita Gessaman, Holly Hummitch, Judy Mugg and Joy Lohse.
