On March 8, 2019, life-long resident Trine Gallegos will be formally awarded the prestigious “Citizen of the Year: Most Impact 2018” award at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, held at Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center in Antioch, California.
A Touch of History
Trine Gallegos considers herself a “lifer” in Antioch and states that she is “overwhelmed that people recognize my work, even though it is a team effort.” After having graduated from Antioch High School where she currently works in “Community Outreach,” Trine now finds herself back on campus planning events and working to bring community into partnership with the school. She said she loves her work and loves that it is fun, and it is a constant challenge. She also emphasized how important it is that her work really does help students and the surrounding community. Trine also gave profuse recognition to the people, and students who she works with, saying she’s only successful because of the people she has the honor to work with. Trine explained that her achievements are dependent on the students who volunteer and the partnerships with local organizations. She feels privileged to work closely with Antioch Police Department, Antioch Animal Shelter, amazing community members, and Antioch High School staff and faculty whom she works closely with every day.
The Nomination
The nomination for Trine Gallegos came as a surprise. However, the nomination and selection process are rigorous. Criteria used to determine which nominees are selected as winners focus on services and benefits rendered to other people over and beyond excellence within an individual’s own business or profession. The application asks for detailed narratives of achievements of a nominee that have significantly benefited the Antioch community. The application also explains that the overall welfare of the community should be the primary importance of the candidate. Applications for nominees are then carefully reviewed by a nominating committee made of Antioch Chamber of Commerce members. With the rich variety of community-service oriented individuals, the committee faces a daunting task of selection each year.
Contributions and Commitment
After reviewing Trine’s contributions to Antioch and students and families at Antioch High School, her nomination for “Citizen of the Year” becomes quite clear. She describes her work to be that of a mix of a “treasure hunt” and acting as a “match maker.” She said within her first few months working at AHS, she began to see the supplies, materials and resources that were of the most need on campus and she made it her mission to find the materials that were needed and match them with the right programs and the right people on campus. And it worked.
After 6 years, Trine’s resume of projects and programs at Antioch High is impressive. Her first ‘treasure hunt’ was finding bikes for a Bike Club on campus that didn’t have enough bikes for their student members. Her next project was the “Panther Pantry” which ensures all students at AHS and their families have food, every day – throughout the entire year. The last five years have boasted a “Warm for the Holidays” giving program that not only offers food, but provides socks, gloves, gifts and other household necessities for students and their families. In 2018, the Holiday Pantry provided for 900 people! Other noteworthy programs have included the Graduation Parade and Panther Tails. Both programs bridge Antioch High School students to community services and other schools, while also offering them a space of learning, growth and giving. Finally, Trine is well-recognized for her work leading the Girl Power Leadership Group, which has ultimately benefited over 800 hundred local students.
Antioch Chamber of Commerce 2018 Winners
Citizens of the Year
- Most Impact 2018 – Trine Gallegos
- Lifetime Achievement – Gordon Gravelle
Veteran of the Year
- US Marine, Vietnam Veteran, Past VFW Post 6435 Quartermaster and current VFW club manager, and lifetime member of Antioch American Legion Post 161, Ernie Rodriguez
Youth of the Year:
- Winners: Jewelina Culcasi, and Claryssa Wilson
- Runner-up: Sage Bennett
Business for the Year
- Small Business – County Market
- Large Business – Kaiser Permanente
Non-Profit of the Year
- Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Ambassador of the Year:
- Michael Pohl, Mike and Mike Media
- Cyndee Paulson-Heer, Heer’s Music
- Justin Heer, Heer’s Music
The Gala and Giving
The Chamber of Commerce Gala is one that is open to the public. Come and celebrate the 2018 Chamber of Commerce winners on March 8th. Tickets are currently available on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s website. Help us congratulate Trine on her recognition as 2018 Citizen of the Year.
