The Lake Improvement Association has named Stan Wilker the 2013 Guardian of the Lake for Grand Lake St. Marys. The annual award is presented to an individual who has taken extraordinary action to improve Grand Lake St. Marys. Wilker has been integral to the success of several recent LIA projects, including the Windy Point Beach reconstruction, community events such as the LIA Golf Outing and efforts to improve water quality.
“Stan is always the first person to get his hands dirty and works hard to accomplish the job at hand,” said LIA President Tim Lovett at the November 2, 2013 LIA Member Meeting. “He goes above and beyond the call of duty and is an asset to the LIA and the entire Grand Lake St. Marys region.”
Wilker has served as a trustee on the LIA executive board for three years. He served two years in the U.S. Army before beginning his teaching and coaching career in at Bradford High School (1972-1973) and Marion Local High School (1973-2009), where he also served as Athletic Director from 1979 until 2009. He is an inductee in the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame.
“Being named Guardian of the Lake is a tremendous honor,” said Wilker. “Improving Grand Lake St. Marys isn't about the efforts of just one person, there are many people who invest a lot of time, energy and effort into making Grand Lake St. Marys a better place. It truly is a collaborative effort.”
LIA President Tim Lovett (left) presents Stan Wilker with the 2013 LIA Guardian of the Lake award.