By: Paul Woidke, '69B
The James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award recognizes those who have served their communities with countless small, selfless acts of kindness and time commitment, those who’ve, founded, been involved in, or led community service projects, and/or responded to domestic or foreign emergencies.
Katie (Hall) Bradeen – ’95C
Katie (Hall) Bradeen “lives her life in generous service to others. This life of “service” had its roots in Katie’s days on the road with her cast. Even then, she watched out for others and naturally became something of a “cast mom.” Feeling homesick? Katie was there with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Facing a crisis? She was right beside you with encouragement, advice, or a small gesture that made all the difference.
Her humility, consistency, and heart make her a quiet, but powerful force for good.” This is but one of the statements from castmates who not only traveled with Katie but continue to experience and witness her acts of kindness during the past three decades. “Wherever there is a need, there is Katie.” She has driven across multiple states to comfort a castmate grieving the loss of a child. She has flown across the country to support fellow alumni in times of need. She has championed and supported another castmate’s small business, volunteering her time at community events they’ve hosted.
Katie personally launched For the Love, an initiative rallying her community through a service day that collects items for those in need. In just its second year, this year’s count is impressive: 332 personal care items for a resource center, forty vases of flowers for residents in an assisted living facility, sixty birthday boxes for a food pantry, 274 books for an elementary reading program, as well as other supplies for schools, food banks, and hospitals.
Her volunteer efforts at the local Ronald McDonald House have brought her recognition with the prestigious President’s Service Award. Her commitment there is nothing short of inspiring: she has personally prepared 100s of home-cooked meals for families staying at the house, shops monthly to restock the freezer in the hospitality room, serves on the Family Engagement Committee planning and executing special events, and plays an instrumental role in organizing the annual holiday party for families facing difficult medical journeys. Her recent “blanket party” brought 30 people together to make 42 blankets in just one morning to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
Katie doesn’t just volunteer—she uplifts, comforts, and makes lasting connections wherever she goes. She grew up as a military child and then a military spouse for twenty-four years. Now she’s become the prototypical “host mom” welcoming new cadets from the United States Air Force Academy into her family’s life, offering them solace, nurturing, and rejuvenation. “Her” thirty-five cadets, from the past twenty years remain a part of the family long after their time at the academy, with Katie supporting them through their significant life events. She creates a haven for people, much like the host families we remember from our time traveling with Up with People—offering warmth, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that stays with you.
Katie uplifts first-year teachers, helping them stock and decorate their classrooms, often quietly funding supplies to ease the burden and build their confidence. Katie is also a devoted Boy Scout troop leader, and a consistent contributor to leadership and planning committees.
UWP is still a part of her life. Katie spearheads an annual “Service Day” for cast 95C every August, inspiring our global cast family to engage in acts of service wherever they are in the world—united by the same heart for giving that she models. The service “day” has since evolved into a month-long initiative to accommodate the diverse schedules of former castmates across the globe.
A castmate said, “I’ve even seen Katie in action outside of formal volunteer roles. While visiting her son’s college, she handed out personal “Mom” business cards to out-of-state students—offering a ride, a meal, or simply someone local they could call if they needed anything. That’s who she is—someone who’s always looking out for others, even strangers, with no expectation of recognition.” Another added, “Katie is the person who makes you believe that goodness is still alive and well in this world. Her actions speak volumes, her presence comforts, and her spirit reflects everything Up with People hopes to cultivate in its alumni.”
Kirk “Chip” Merrett – ’85D
When speaking of Kirk “Chip” Merrett, an ’85D, a castmate said, “Kirk exemplifies the values of the Everyday Hero Award.” This acclamation is demonstrated through the activities that Chip has pursued since he left the road four decades ago. His work in diversity, equity and inclusion touches not only the professional workplace but is reflected in his community activities, as well.
His civic activities include serving for eighteen years as head coach of a Toronto hockey team for people with special needs. Chip has recently expanded his coaching role as founder and head coach for the Special Olympics basketball program. Michael Chung of the Ontario Special Olympics Committee writes, “Kirk’s dedication and efforts have helped make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through his own unselfish spirit of volunteerism.” Chung continued, “As head coach of the Toronto Bolts basketball program he has made it a great success and wonderful experience for all the athletes and fellow volunteers alike. His commitment is a testament to his leadership and devotion to creating a more inclusive community for everyone.
Susan Fohn, co-coach, said, “What truly sets Kirk apart is his deep-rooted belief in the importance of inclusion, community, and accessibility. It is clear that Kirk is not motivated by recognition or accolades, but rather by a genuine desire to improve the lives of others. His volunteerism and dedication serve as a powerful example of leadership, compassion, and selflessness.
It would be a mistake to think of Kirk as only a sports coach. His other leadership activities include service as a Board Member and Committee Chair of 360°Kids – a program designed to help youth overcome crisis and transition to a state of safety and stability. In concert with his Hyundai Canada corporate colleagues, $250,000 has been raised for 360° Kids over the past four years.
In Chip’s professional career with Hyundai Auto Canada Corp his deep-rooted belief in the importance of inclusion, community, and accessibility is apparent. He has encouraged and mentored many women to take-on and excel-in positions of leadership. In 2022, he received the Notable Champion of Diversity Award from the publication Automotive News Canada. This year he received the Ally of Excellence Award from the Women’s Executive Network.
Kirk serves as a church warden with St. Theodore of Canterbury Anglican Church and has been the fund-raising leader with its Monks’ Cell Steakhouse for more than two decades. Initiatives through his church include serving as the leader of a team that sponsored Afghan refugees to Canada in 2023. He now serves as a Board Member and Chair of AURA, a charitable organization supporting resettlement of refugees in Canada. He has fostered ongoing encouragement of awareness and support for the homeless population, through the annual “Night Out in the Cold” event by spend overnights on the streets with them in Canadian winters to experience and share exactly what the homeless must face every day.
Chip received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2022.
In all of his activities, corporate, civic, and personal, Kirk is distinguished by his deep-rooted belief in the importance of inclusion, community, and accessibility. He exemplifies the essence of the vision and mission of Up with People.
Amanda (Mandi) Reeves Owens – ’95C
Amanda (Mandi) Reeves Owens describes herself as “just an ordinary woman trying to learn more, love better, and live bigger every day!” However, as a castmate says, “Mandi is anything but ordinary!” As an extension of her life with 95C, she inspires others to care more, do more, and give more. The ripple effect of her generosity is immeasurable.
Mandi has often said that the spirit of Up with People continues to guide her life, and it’s clear she lives its mission every single day. Even as the organization goes through significant changes, she remains a living example of what it stands for.
A castmate said, “In times of challenge and in times of celebration, Mandi is always present—with an open heart and a helping hand. She inspires others to care more, do more, and give more/” For example, Mandi helped organize and rally her cast for “Operation Radical Generosity” – a movement to provide support to UWP cast members and their families that have lost loved ones, including sending care packages and even taking a road trip with a few other cast members for an in-person visit.
In April 2021, during the stress and isolation of a global pandemic and shutdown she launched her business, called Daymaker Gifts, as a way to “create a culture of generosity and year-round giving.” Originally an online business run from her living room, it has grown to include a storefront in Colorado, a cornerstone for the community while crossing international borders. It partners with other small businesses and local artisans to create meaningful gift boxes and community experiences. Daymaker Gifts has partnered with twenty-four other small businesses to date (many of them women or minority-owned). At least fourteen foundations have been the recipient of their donations (given with every sale she makes), including such causes as domestic violence, first responders, teen suicide, human trafficking, individuals with disabilities, horse rescue, veterans, support for those with cancer and their siblings and families, and, of course, UWP.
This led to the creation of My Sister’s Closet—a biannual event collecting donated formalwear, making dresses accessible to local teens who might not otherwise attend prom or a special event due to cost. A portion of the proceeds are given to school programs and local initiatives. The event also provides a welcoming space where girls feel seen, celebrated, and confident. Mandi’s younger daughter, Randi Jo, had this to say about her mom’s efforts. “She even partnered with other businesses such as hairdressers and nail ladies to provide the best experience. This is especially inspiring because our town is filled with low income families and girls at my school don’t always have the money or opportunity to feel special and get all dolled up.” She added, “Ever since I can remember she has been brightening days for me and everyone around her and is the first to make you smile!”
This summer (2025) premiers Make Their Day Wall—a physical installation designed to inspire and encourage simple, everyday acts of kindness. The wall is filled with generosity prompts and ideas that invite people to give in small, meaningful ways like paying a compliment, leaving a kind note, sharing a favorite book, or dropping off coffee to a neighbor.
A teacher for over fifteen years, Mandi has been a reading interventionist working with students ranging from Gifted & Talented learners to those receiving Special Education services. Now, a frequent substitute teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels, she leads after-school programs like sign language classes, talent shows, and special book clubs. Beyond actual classroom activities, Mandi has served on numerous district-level volunteer committees including District Finance Committee, Accountability, Long-Range Planning and a district steering group that created a 5-year strategic plan for area schools. Additionally, Mandi opens the family home to exchange students and is active in agriculture and youth programs like 4-H and FFA.
Mandi’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on countless lives. She has spoken of how the spirit of Up with People is woven so deeply into her everyday life; she considers herself one of the lucky ones to have been able to participate. Savannah Garnett, Mandi’s oldest daughter said this: “My mom often says that UWP changed her life, and it not only changed her life but changed my family’s life! I believe that none of us would be the same if it weren’t for UWP. I could write a book about all my mom has done, but at the end of the day it all comes from the LOVE that she has for people, our town, UWP, her friends, and family.
