2025 Good Neighbor Awards Honor Three Worthington Residents

Worthington City Council opened its April 13 meeting by unanimously passing three resolutions recognizing the 2025 Good Neighbor Award recipients from the Community Relations Commission. The Good Neighbor Award has been presented each year since 1993 to residents who promote cooperation and goodwill throughout their neighborhoods. The presentations were made by Community Relations Commission chair Shawna Moraille.

Bob Alkire — Resolution 26-2026

The first recipient is Bob Alkire, recognized for kindness, friendliness, and patience toward everyone around him. According to the resolution, Alkire checks in on neighbors' properties, uses his snow blower on sidewalks throughout the street in winter, and walks up and down the street each week returning trash and recycling receptacles from the curb to neighbors' homes. He was noted for welcoming new neighbors, opening his home to other families, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Alkire declined to speak at length, simply stating he has "the best neighbors." The audience was packed with his supporters. Council members thanked him as one of the "servant leaders we have in our neighborhood."

Will Pearce — Resolution 27-2026

Will Pearce was recognized for more than 20 years of volunteer work with the Colonial Hills Civic Association. The resolution named Pearce as the driving force behind the Colonial Hills Luminaries — gathering materials, coordinating volunteers, and managing every detail year after year. The resolution also credits him with looking out for the neighborhood daily, helping make it friendlier, safer, and more connected.

Accepting the award, Pearce said, "I'm greatly honored to receive it. And I would especially like to thank my Colonial Hills Civic Association friends, who are my good neighbors, for... their role in my receiving this award.

Collin Chase — Resolution 28-2026 (Youth Award)

The 2025 Good Neighbor Youth Award went to Collin Chase, student body president at Thomas Worthington High School. The resolution cited his work at events such as blood drives, serving as master of ceremonies for the State Field Hockey Championship recognition, and supporting the varsity hockey team as manager. Chase plays multiple varsity sports, is taking a College Credit Plus course load, has been admitted to The Ohio State University, and received the Morrill Excellence Scholarship.

Chase thanked his family and Thomas Worthington High School Principal Josh Almanson, who he said recommended him for the award. "I would first like to give a huge thank you to the council for setting up this award and making it possible. I think it's a great thing that we have in the community, recognizing good neighbors and all the great people we have here in Worthington," Chase said.

Council Reflections

Council members thanked the recipients and the Community Relations Commission. Council President Pro Tem Rebecca Hermann noted that complaints often drown out thanks in civic life, and said this was a chance "to feel the love and... the admiration" for the good being done in the community.

Council took a short break after the presentations so the audience and family members could take photos with the recipients before returning to the rest of the agenda.