Citing her tireless work in promoting recycling and keeping the world clean, McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club honored local environmental activist Pam Pescevic as Humanitarian of the Year.
“Almost every day you can see her out, sorting recyclables, picking up trash and making sure things get where they need to be to be recycled or repurposed,” said Tennessee District Exchange Club president Ashley Wright. “I think it actually causes her physical pain to see recyclable items not put in their proper place.”
The annual humanitarian award is conferred by Noon Exchange in recognition of community service and to those who help their fellow man with no expectation of recognition.
“Pam is the perfect person for this award since she works behind the scenes to make sure recyclables go where they need to go,” Wright noted. “She does what she does to make the world a better place, not for public recognition or praise.”
McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley, also a recycling advocate, said he and Pescevic have stayed up past midnight on many occasions, sorting through trash to make sure recyclables went to recycling centers. However, he admitted even he is impressed with the lengths to which Pescevic is willing to go.
“She works, sorting through trash at Bonnaroo,” said Haley. “Now that’s dedication.”
When not collecting from one of her recycling centers, Pescevic’s day job is a nurse in same day surgery at Saint Thomas River Park.
Along with Pescevic, Noon Exchange also honored Christie Allison as Educator of the Year. She was cited for her many years of service to the Warren County School System. She is presently an instructor for teachers.
Noon Exchange member Shelly Miller was cited as Exchangite of the Year during the awards banquet Tuesday evening. Her honor comes after she spearheaded the club’s first veterans calendar. Calendar sales are used to help fund Veterans Matter, an Exchange Club initiative that helps house homeless veterans.