Volunteerism and community-driven support are frequent topics of discussion within the Millcreek City Council. 

The council routinely celebrates and praises the efforts of volunteers and did so formally on Feb. 23 with the presentation of Millcreek's Community Champion Awards. These awards are given to a resident of each city council district who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer efforts or community impact. Each councilmember presented their award to their chosen constituent, along with Millcreek Mayor Cheri Jackson, who also presented a Millcreek resident with an award.

District 1 representative and Councilmember Silvia Catten presented the award to Bishop Steven Black for his critical assistance and rapid response during the Willow Glenn Apartment Fire. 

Catten explained that when the apartment complex caught fire in August 2025, 40 families were displaced and lost everything. Black opened the doors of his church to allow the families to seek refuge and for the Red Cross to establish emergency services there. Black canceled scheduled services for his congregation to do this, and Catten praised his generosity and willingness to get involved.

The District 2 award was presented to Khosrow Semnani by Councilmember Thom DeSirant. DeSirant said he chose Semnani for the award because of his work with the Maliheh Free Clinic. The clinic is a medical practice named after his grandmother that Semnani founded to provide free healthcare to those in need. Healthcare is consistently one of the most significant costs to American families, DeSirant noted, emphasizing the importance of Semnani's work in Millcreek. 

Since the clinic opened in 2018, it has served over 270,000 people free of charge. Semnani was present to accept the award and expressed gratitude to his colleagues and those who supported him while he was founding the center. The audience clapped for Semnani to acknowledge this impact with DeSirant stating, "Your impact on the lives of your fellow Utahns can't be overstated, and the ripple effects of your work will be felt in our community for generations." 

District 3's award went to Laura Renshaw, branch manager of the Millcreek Public Library, and was presented by Councilmember Nicole Handy. Renshaw is an active member of the Millcreek community and was given the award because of her work with the library and with Millcreek's Promise Program. Renshaw consistently attends Millcreek City Council meetings to bring awareness to library resources and events. Handy said, "Her work is grounded in deep concern for health and wellness of our community, and she sees the library as a catalyst for building relationships and opportunity.”

The next award was presented by District 4 representative and Councilmember Bev Uipi to Ryan Lufkin. Lufkin is a longtime Millcreek resident and descendent of one of Millcreek's first landowners, John Scott. In 2022, he was nominated to serve on Millcreek's Historic Preservation Commission, and eventually became the commission's chair, something Uipi explained has been critical to the board's success. 

Uipi championed his passion for Millcreek's history, saying, "His efforts on the Historic Preservation Commission are extraordinary. Among many achievements, he has assisted with establishing new historic districts, updating essential codes and serves as a devoted advocate for Millcreek and its rich history."

The last award was presented by the mayor to Tim Bachman, for his extensive work building the Millcreek Community Emergency Response Team. Bachman serves as program manager and has worked for years within to recruit and train volunteers to assist in a wide variety of emergency preparedness situations. 

Bachman collaborates with local emergency services and has ensured members of the community would be equipped to assist in an emergency situation. "His hands-on practical approach ensures participants leave not just informed, but confident and ready to help their families and neighbors," said the mayor. Following his acceptance, he thanked his wife Rhonda, shouting her out as his fellow co-chair and saying he couldn't have done any of it without her.

Following the presentation of these awards, one last award was presented by the American Public Works Association Utah chapter. The award was for "outstanding public works inspector of 2026," and it was presented to Millcreek employee Ryan Bagshaw. Jackson applauded Bagshaw for his work within the city, saying that from the start if they have ever needed help, he has been happily able to assist.