Short Pump Ruritans honor first-responders, high school graduates

Three Henrico County first-responders, a local business owner and eight Henrico County high school graduates were honored at the Short Pump Ruritan Club’s 2024 annual awards banquet June 25. The event was held at Kitchen 33 Restaurant in Glen Allen and attended by more than 50 members and guests.

The club presented its 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award to Henrico Fire Lt. Brian Morgan, its 2024 Police Officer of the Year Award to Henrico Police Officer Sara Sizemore and its 2024 Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year Award to Nicholas Hayes of the Henrico County Sheriff’s Department.

The Short Pump Businessperson of the Year Award was given to Tom Leonard, the owner of Tom Leonard’s Farmers Market, in recognition of the company’s contributions to local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The Short Pump Ruritan Club Scholarships of $1,500 apiece are awarded annually to graduating seniors from public and private high schools living in certain areas of Western Henrico, Western Hanover, and Goochland County. The scholarships are based on factors such as GPAs, civic involvement and other criteria.

The recipients this year were:

• Yuna Chen (Maggie Walker Governor’s School);

• Kyle DeNoewer (J.R. Tucker High School);

• Elizabeth Herod (Douglas Freeman High School);

• Sheza Khan (J. R. Tucker High School);

• Judy Ma (J.R. Tucker High School);

• Jocelyn Ozfidan (J.R. Tucker High School);

• Dylan Seoparsan (J.R. Tucker High School);

• Aquib Syed (Mills Godwin High School)​.

“All of our Short Pump Ruritan members look forward each year to our annual awards banquet,” said Donna Hatfield, club president. “Giving back to our community is the main mission of our Club and these awards allow us to honor and recognize Henrico County first responders, a local businessperson and give financial assistance to deserving high school students as they continue their educational careers in college.”

The Short Pump Ruritan Club, established in 1965, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those in need. The organization raises funds through various events and donates to numerous charities and organizations.