In a moving tribute to selfless service and quiet heroism, the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach and The Ponte Vedra Recorder honored five remarkable individuals at the 33rd Annual Local Heroes Awards on Thursday, May 22, at Marsh Landing Country Club.
Established in 1993 by Ponte Vedra Beach Rotarians Vic DiGenti and Chuck Day in partnership with The Recorder, the Local Heroes Awards have become a cherished tradition — celebrating everyday citizens whose extraordinary acts of kindness and service uplift the community and embody the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”
“This year’s honorees truly reflect the heart and soul of our community,” said Rotary Club President Beverly Flanagan. “Their compassion, commitment and quiet leadership remind us of the profound impact one person can have. We are honored to recognize their work and share their stories.”
Rotarian and Local Heroes Chair Steve Crosby served as emcee for the evening, introducing the 2025 honorees whose dedication continues to shape a stronger, more compassionate Ponte Vedra Beach:
Gary Graham: An active retiree, Graham’s energy and empathy remain boundless. After volunteering with Feed My Starving Children to pack meals for hungry children in Chicago, Graham continued his efforts after relocating to Ponte Vedra Beach. Each year, he organizes hundreds of volunteers and raises funds to pack thousands of meals for hungry children.
Carla Montgomery: As executive director of The Child Cancer Fund, Montgomery offers hope and help to families navigating the unimaginable journey of childhood cancer. Under her guidance, the organization has expanded its reach, ensuring that no family faces financial hardship alone while their child undergoes treatment at Nemours or Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Bob Hughes: Hughes serves as the heart behind the Beaches Council on Aging’s Dial-a-Ride program. What began as a volunteer driver position has grown into a full-time mission of love, as he now coordinates services that connect seniors to essential care, companionship and dignity.
Sandy Simpson: For 47 years, Simpson has shaped young minds as a teacher — not only in the classroom, but through her many years of leading Fletcher High School’s Interact Club. Under her guidance, the club has grown to more than 120 students, who participate in numerous community service projects for organizations such as BEAM, Mission House and the Ronald McDonald House. Through her efforts, she is instilling a lifelong commitment to service in the next generation.
Greg Leonard: Leonard’s tireless advocacy for smart, sustainable infrastructure led to the formation of the Citizens Traffic Task Force, which he has led for more than a decade. Through collaboration with local and state leaders, he has worked to ease congestion while preserving the natural beauty and livability of our community.
A Special Tribute: Community Champion Award
In a surprise addition to this year’s celebration, the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Club presented a special Community Champion Award to Recorder Publisher Susan Griffin, recognizing her nearly 30 years of dedicated leadership in local journalism.
“For almost three decades, Susan has made The Recorder the voice and heartbeat of this community, keeping us connected, informed and inspired,” said Crosby. “She’s more than a publisher — she’s a neighbor, a leader and a true champion of community spirit.”
