The Distinguished Service Award is given by the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce to an individual that demonstrated outstanding community service in the Stayton-Sublimity area, whose dedication and service provide a lasting impact on the local communities.
The award recipient for 2019 is Erin Cramer, a family practice physician’s assistant at Sublimity Medical Clinic. Cramer was nominated for his leadership and stability within his local clinic, as well as “his selfless commitment to our community, volunteering his time as the Varsity football medic for Regis High School, serving the North Santiam School District board, and being instrumental in advocating for our kids and serving our local communities,” according to the chamber.
“I’m really surprised to receive this award,” Cramer said. “There are a lot of people in our communities who contribute a great deal of their time and energy to making this a better place to work, learn, play, and live. They inspire me to want to do the same, and to be nominated while surrounded by so many others who would be deserving winners is humbling and a little challenging. It makes a person want to live up to those expectations, to aspire to be even better.”
As a PA, Cramer said he takes care of the very young to very old, “hopefully making a concrete difference in their lives.
“I volunteer time helping young athletes at Regis High School, with the Stayton High School Booster Club, the NSSD Board of Directors, and in the past, I’ve helped coach kids in what is now the Stayton Soccer Club,” he said. “It’s amazing how much time a person can carve out by turning off the TV and getting out of the chair,” he added. “A little effort goes a long way, and others generally see effort and step up as well. I think we all want to make our lives a bit better, and often need a nudge or a worthy cause. Some of us are on the sidelines until a simple ask, and then we take a plunge.”
Cramer said, “There’s a great and fun time to be had interacting with others while doing something for the greater good.”
“Erin Cramer is highly deserving to be recognized with the Community’s Distinguished Service Award,” said Andy Gardner, superintendent of the North Santiam School District. “His time in our community has been marked by service to multiple causes. Since joining the NSSD School Board in 2019, he has enriched our discussions with his own knowledge and commitment to the young people of our communities. ”
NSSD Board Chair Mike Wagner added, “Erin has brought new talents to the NSSD Board. His intelligence and wealth of experience has brought a new perspective to the issues. I believe he cares deeply about kids and is concerned that NSSD help them become the best person they can be as a result of their school experience.”
“Erin has been an active member of our fantastic Booster Club. He has been instrumental, along with Randy Forrette, in turning the Stayton Boosters into what is arguably the best Booster organization in the state,” Stayton High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Darren Shryock said.
“I do know that service is not selfless. It gives me back more than I put in. I get back a sense of accomplishment, of pride, of warm fuzzies from doing these extra things. That makes me want to continue. I’m kind of addicted to it, if I’m being honest.”
