Michelle Kuntz, born and raised at Whidbey Island, Wash., and attended Whitworth College in Spokane and the University of Houston. Her mom was the choir director of her church back home, and a handsome young navy pilot named Al was her star tenor.

Rumor has it that Mom went into "mother mode" and made sure Al met her daughter — and the rest is history. After a career flying from aircraft carriers, Al retired from the Navy and is now an airline pilot. They have three children, all of whom are in college.

Shelle, as she is known to her many friends, is a retired youth minister, served as national director of youth ministry and is active in the choir, special activities and outreach programs of her church. She enjoys her women's organizations, hiking, skiing and singing with Al at special events. She loves to entertain and enjoys holding "cooking nights' with friends. But "gardening is my passion" she proclaims.

Always willing to lend a hand, she is a graduate master gardener from Whitworth College. She has "flowers galore" and revels in her one-acre garden plot, which yields vegetables, fruit and berries.

To Shelle, helping others is simply a way of life. Her personal credo is, "If I can make a difference in one person's life, my life has been worthwhile." To this end, she devotes most of her time to the myriad of activities of the CARE program in the Whitefish school system, toward accomplishing its goal of creating healthy lifestyles for our youth and community. School administrators, saying that she has the trust and respect of every staff member and student in the system, equate her to "a breath of fresh air." Commenting on her spirit and energy, they describe her assistance to students as invaluable.

Shelle, you have been a positive influence in the lives of all who meet you, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.