Patrick Wylie, who has volunteered for a host of activities and helped raise hundred of thousands of dollars to assist those affected by multiple sclerosis, has been named as Biloxi’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year.
The announcement was made Tuesday night during the 34th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Community Center on Howard Avenue.
Wylie, an economic development project manager at Mississippi Power, is a Biloxi Main Street Board member, serving as the economic vitality chair and always volunteering at the organization’s events.
Wylie is also a volunteer with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where he has served for more than five years. He has lead several community-wide Day of Service activities, where he visited homes of those affected by MS and assisted with home repairs. Wylie is also responsible for spearheading “The Dinner of Champions” event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, generating more than $200,000 for the society within four years.
He also donates his time to the Harrison County Youth Shelter, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, American Red Cross and The United Way.
“He displays servant leadership at all times,” Downtown Service Manager Kay Miller said. “He inspires all by his efforts.”
Other top honorees recognized Tuesday night:
-Community volunteer: Jaye Brice
-Youth volunteer: Rosemarie Marshall
-Health volunteer: Bill Priddy
-Arts & history volunteer: Leonie Johnston
-Sports volunteer: Pam Ferrill
-Education volunteer: Myya Robinson
-Adult group volunteer: “The Way” Beau Rivage employee volunteers
-Youth volunteer group: Biloxi High School Interact Club
– City of Biloxi employee volunteer: Jerrilyn Wescovich
-Business volunteer: Mississippi Power Community Connections
-Non-profit organization: Kiwanis Club
-Military volunteer: AT2 Andrew Tracy
-Military group volunteer: Fishbowl Student Ministry Center White Rope Program
-Retired military sr. Volunteer: Col. Phyllis A. Luttman (Ret. USAF)
-Senior Citizen volunteer: David L. Clippinger MD
-Unsung everyday hero: Marguerite S. Mayfield
See images from the event
News and notes
Get your Red on: The fourth annual Indian Nation 5K & Fun Run takes place Saturday in downtown Biloxi, and you don’t have to be a runner or walker to enjoy the host of activities taking place on the Town Green. You’ll find music, games, bounce houses, face painting and more. Also, the Biloxi High School culinary students will be serving coffee and breakfast, and basketball boosters will offer hamburgers and hotdogs after the race. To see a flyer, click here.
Council meeting: To see images from the Tuesday afternoon council meeting, which included the presentation of “The Week of the Young Child” to honor early learning and citizens comments regarding the state flag, click here.
Senior Prom: The Parks & Recreation Department will hold its annual Senior Prom on Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center. The event is free and open to ages 55 and older. To see the flyer, click here.