Volunteer is named Monticello Citizen of Year

Heidi Pehrson, a renowned volunteer for education and recreation efforts, is the 2016 Monticello Citizen of the Year.
Pehrson was awarded the honor by Mayor Tim Young at the Monticello High School Holiday Music Concert December 12.
Pehrson was nominated for the honor by an anonymous advocate, who writes, “Heidi Pehrson is a shining example of community involvement, as she has served tirelessly.”
Pehrson has served for the past two years as president of the Monticello Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
As the PTA President, she has been instrumental in organizing the Glow in the Dark Dance, Sugar Run, Fun Run, Scholastic Book Fair, Accelerated Reading Program, Box Tops Program, Teacher Appreciation Week, Safe Schools, Red Ribbon Week, Maturation Program, and the Halloween Festival.
She also serves on the MES School Community Council and a Parent Committee, where she provides input to teachers and education staff.
Heidi was a key member of the committee that raised funds for the bronze sculpture that sits at the entrance to Monticello Elementary. The sculpture was dedicated when the new school opened.
Pehrson also serves as a volunteer coach for youth recreation programs. She helped organize the community youth soccer program and coaches girls softball and soccer teams.
In addition, the nominating letter states that Pehrson is also the Primary President in her church congregation.
Many of her home office hours are at night as she works as a full time accountant and bookkeeper.
Heidi is the mother of three and the wife of Kelly Pehrson, who said, “Heidi never worries about herself. She has the biggest heart I know, and she loses a lot of sleep over the needs of children.”
Each December for the past two decades, the Monticello City Council names a Citizen of the Year. The honor is intended to recognize the efforts of local residents who work to improve and serve the community.