This year, 7x7 teamed up with the University of Oregon to present the first ever Vanguard Award, which contributes $5000 to an outstanding citizen making a difference in the fields of education, sustainability, or community development, and the nominations were overwhelming. We picked seven local leaders as our finalists, and now, the people have spoken.

After receiving thousands of votes, we’re thrilled to congratulate Mike Willmarth, 7th grade math teacher at Redwood Middle School in Napa. Willmarth goes “beyond education” by connecting with his students outside of a simple lesson plan, encouraging extracurricular activities—like fundraising to help purchase goats for Haitian villagers—to help them grow in ways you can’t teach with a mathematical formula. He understands the power of a common goal, how it can bring people together, and the benefit that has for developing empathy in young people. “The power of an education comes to its full potential when it is employed to better both one's own life and the lives of others,” says Willmarth. His positive impact has been felt by his community, and they rallied behind him to repay the favor. Congratulations, Mike!