On August 28, the City of Kemmerer and Town of Diamondville celebrated the 5th annual Golden Rule Day, dedicating the occasion to honoring the legacy of James Cash Penney and the values he instilled in his stores: the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” This year, the community united to recognize individuals who exemplify these principles through their selfless service.

Kaylynn Williams, the Community Events Coordinator, reflected on the nominations process as a heartfelt representation of the community’s spirit. “We had a handful of nominations, and it was a neat experience to see so many people recognized for their contributions,” she shared.

None of the award recipients were aware of their honors until the announcement. Families were contacted ahead of time and encouraged to attend the dinner, hinting at the surprise awaiting their loved ones.

Among this year’s recipients was Shauna Zornes, who expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award. “I didn’t know it existed, and when I was told that I was one of the recipients, it was very exciting and humbling,” she remarked. Her nomination by fellow community members underscored the significant impact she has made through her dedication to service.

The Diamondville recipients, Laurie and Paul Kaiser, were equally astonished. “It was quite an honor to receive it,” Laurie said. “There are a lot of good people in Diamondville, and we were honored that we got picked.” The Kaisers’ humility shone through as they acknowledged the many deserving candidates in their community. Laurie elaborated on her husband’s modesty, stating, “I know he might not have gone if he knew about the award. He’s so shy about stuff like that, and he’s so humble, but he honestly is a good person to receive it because he’s always, always helping. We have a lot of people who call him whenever they need something. He’s always trying to find something to do for someone else.”

Deb Archibald, the Kemmerer award recipient, was also surprised by the recognition. “I was really surprised. I wasn’t expecting an award. I am honored, humbled, and grateful to have received it,” she said. Deb has played a crucial role in revitalizing the local museum, transforming it from a neglected space into a vibrant hub for the community. Her efforts embody the essence of the Golden Rule, reflecting her tireless commitment to serving her community.

Kaylynn emphasized the supportive nature of local businesses, noting that many donated gift cards and items for the winners. “The alumni donated $25 gift cards to J.C. Penney for each of the winners, and local businesses contributed to the gift baskets,” she explained. This spirit of giving reinforces the values celebrated during Golden Rule Day.

In a world where good news often takes a backseat, the Golden Rule Service Award serves as a reminder of the kindness and generosity present within the community. As Kaylynn stated, “It’s really good to recognize and acknowledge that there are these amazing people in our community.”

The Golden Rule Day and the awards presented are more than just recognition; they are a celebration of the values that unite the community. As the event continues to grow each year, it reinforces the idea that when individuals come together to support one another, they create a lasting impact that embodies the true spirit of the Golden Rule.