April 9th, 2026, by the Seward Folly Staff
The Seward Chamber of Commerce held its annual Seward Chamber Community Awards on April 2nd at the Seward Gateway Hotel, bringing together residents to recognize the people who help shape the community through their work, leadership, and service.
The evening opened with a statement from Chamber Director Amanda Sweeting: “At the Chamber, we don’t just represent businesses. We represent a community. And these awards are our way of pausing, to say thank you. To recognize the people who go above and beyond, who give their time, their energy, and their heart to Seward, not for recognition, but because they care. Tonight is about celebrating those individuals. The quiet leaders, the hard workers, the people who show up again and again to make this community stronger, kinder, and more connected. So as we go through these awards, I hope we all take a moment, not just to celebrate the recipients, but to reflect on the people in our own lives who make Seward what it is. Because at the end of the day, this community is only as strong as the people who show up for it. And tonight, we get to celebrate exactly that.”
Nominations for the awards were collected from the public and reviewed by the Chamber Board of Directors, who selected finalists in each category. Chamber members voted, with 140 surveys submitted. This year, the Chamber partnered with Seward Education Advocates (SEA) to add a new Teacher of the Year award.
Dinner was provided by Woody’s Thai Kitchen, and desserts came from Judy Odhner of Alaska Culinary Experience.
Service to the Community Award
This award recognizes a citizen who leads by example and creates a positive impact in the workplace and community.
Nominees: Lola Swanson, Clare Sullivan, Michelle Blalock and Melissa Houselog, Shauna Potocky, Bob & Mary Lynn Barnwell
Winners: Michelle Blalock and Melissa Houselog
Michelle Blalock and Melissa Houselog are known for providing residents with essential resources and supporting community events and programs. Their efforts make life easier for those living in Seward.
Seward Business Person of the Year Award
This award goes to a Chamber member who has contributed to economic development and demonstrated professional excellence.
Nominees: Kelly Ann Cavaretta (SBDC Advisor, Salted Roots), Mark Clemens (The Fish House), Tom Tougas (Major Marine), Kostas Kanaras (Apollo Restaurant)
Winner: Mark Clemens, The Fish House
Mark Clemens and The Fish House are recognized as a cornerstone of Seward’s business community, providing key services year-round.
Business Site Improvement Award
This award is given to a Chamber member who has made significant improvements to their business property, benefiting both the neighborhood and the community.
Nominees: Ray’s Waterfront, Seward Yoga, Summit Sips Coffee, Winter Raven Mechanical
Winner: Seward Yoga
Seward Yoga was recognized for creating a welcoming, upgraded space focused on wellness and community connection. The studio’s renovations contribute to the character of downtown and offer a space for both residents and visitors.
Seward Teacher of the Year Award
Introduced this year, this award honors an educator who has shown dedication, innovation, and leadership in supporting student growth and achievement.
Nominees: Ronn Hemstock, Myla Satterlund, Joel Williams, Tara Swanson, Jennifer Swander
Winner: Tara Swanson
Tara Swanson, a 5th grade teacher, also leads the Artists in Schools Program and the summer music camp. She is recognized for expanding opportunities for Seward’s youth and serving as a role model in and out of the classroom.
Chamber Board of Directors Award
This award is presented to an individual or group recognized by the Chamber Board for service and leadership in the Seward community.
Winners: The Seward Folly, MaryLynn and Bob Barnwell
Bob and MaryLynn Barnwell took it upon themselves in retirement to locate financial partners, contributing writers, a social media correspondent and an editor to successfully produce a digital newspaper for the benefit of the Seward Community. The Seward Folly would become the eyes, ears and voice of our community.
The Seward Community Awards celebrate the individuals and businesses who help make Seward a stronger, more connected place to live.
Photos by Liz Marsh, Seward Chamber of Commerce, Communications Coordinator