Tom Richardson in the Spotlight

COLLEGE PLACE - On December 5, former Waitsburg resident Tom Richardson will be honored in a pictorial calendar and with a reception at the Governor's Mansion in Olympia. The honor is part of Richardson's selection as a Silver Spotlight Award recipient by the Washington Health Care Association.

Richardson -- one of 11 Washington winners -- received the award on Aug. 25 in light of his many "contributions to humanity," including his years teaching English in Brazil, as a Peace Corps worker and ongoing volunteer work.

The Silver Spotlight is awarded to individuals for exceptional volunteerism, delivering significant and sustained service, contribute to underserved populations or serve in challenging situations, positively shape cultural and social movements, demonstrate exemplary leadership abilities and make a significant impact through public or military service. Richardson easily meets all six requirements.

Richardson graduated from Waitsburg High School before attending WSU where he received a physical education degree in 1971. Following graduation, Richardson spent five years in the Peace Corps, working with children with disabilities.

According to the award application submitted by Regency at the Park administrator Kate Moon, "His work with the Peace Corps brought him a great sense of accomplishment. He loved being around children and seeing their improvement, both physically and emotionally." An article in The Times about Richardson's Peace Corps service hangs in his room today. Richardson remained in Brazil following his service with the Corps and spent another 20 years teaching English throughout that country.

He returned to Washington in 1996 and began volunteering at St. Mary's Medical Center where he visited patients three days a week for four hours at a time. He treated his volunteerism like a job, rarely missing a day.

Richardson aided the hospital by translating documents that were given to families from English to Spanish. He would have continued his volunteer work except that a genetic disease, affecting his ability to speak, made it impossible.

Richardson joined his mother and sister at Regency at the Park in College Place several years ago and continues to act as an advocate for his peers, attending resident council, kitchen meetings and other events that promote community.

"He voices concerns for others that can't speak for themselves and will do so in a loving and caring manner. His insight, care and compassion for others is invaluable to our community and other residents. He continues to serve others every day and makes our community a better place," said Moon.