Community Corner

Dacula Friends and Neighbors 2011

A look back at some of the people who make the Dacula community a better place to live.

Over the past year, Dacula Patch has profiled several outstanding people in our . As 2011 draws to a close, here's a look back at a few of our favorites:

A Firefighter With a Heart for His Community - On duty or off, Gwinnett County firefighter Bobby Holton is proud to serve and protect our Dacula community. As a firefighter on duty, Holton responds to emergency calls to protect Dacula out of Station 18. As a firefighter off-duty, Holton spends his time teaching the children of our community that underneath all that gear is a good and caring person.

DHS Principal Succeeds Through Focus and Caring - Dacula High School principal Donnie Nutt describes his school in two words: caring and focused. Nutt uses those two little words to effectively run his school supporting both teachers and students on their path to success.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Charlyne Fuller: Serving the Citizens of Dacula - "Dacula has a special meaning for me, having lived here since I was little, and I’m glad to work with the city. I’d rather live here than in any other place."

Charlotte Nash, Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners - Dacula resident Charlotte Nash has done a lot to serve her community in a variety of different capacities, but a little over a month ago she made headlines when she was elected Gwinnett County Commissioner in a special election.  When she was sworn in on March 28, she became only the second woman to hold the post and she looks forward to carrying out her first elected office position in a manner that will make Dacula proud.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Shannon Jarvis, Head Football Coach of Mill Creek High School - The Mill Creek High School football team is coming off of an impressive season that saw them reach the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. But for head coach Shannon Jarvis, the results on the field are not as important as the character being shaped in each player's life.

Chris Rice, Volunteer for The Pantry - The Pantry at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church has quickly become one of the most influential need-meeting ministries in our area, and it's volunteer leaders like Chris Rice who make it happen.  Ms. Rice is not one to seek attention, matter of fact she quickly deflects the spotlight to the other volunteers that make The Pantry happen, and she also wants people to be aware of the other great ministries that Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church has to offer.

Reed Miller, Dacula City Marshal - "I wouldn't want to do anything different, or live in any other place than here," says  Dacula's long-time public servant and City Marshal, Reed Miller. Miller's journey to Dacula may have have always had him doing the same thing, law enforcement, but he's been many places and has many stories to tell.

Jared Zito, Head Football Coach of Dacula High School - When Dacula High School head coach Kevin Maloof resigned for health reasons last fall, he left a good program in place in need of a good coach to build upon what had already been accomplished over the past 19 years.  Dacula High School believes they have found just the man to do that.

Steve Brueck, Dacula Weather Expert - While most people pay special attention to the weather only when it becomes severe, local amateur weatherman Steve Brueck keeps an eye on the sky all the time. Brueck is the owner and operator of daculaweather.com, a website he updates with a weather station at his home.

Maj. Tom Doran, GCPD East Precinct Commander - For the past 17 years, Maj. Tom Doran has served and protected area residents as a member of the Gwinnett County Police Department. Since joining the department as a patrol officer, Doran has steadily risen through the ranks serving in several GCPD units including parks, crime prevention and training. Promoted to major in September 2009, Doran is currently assigned as the commander of GCPD's East Precinct.

Mill Creek High's Principal in Profile - Even during the cold days of December, Jim Markham keeps the heat turned down in his office to "try and save money," he said. This small detail is one part of his job as principal of Mill Creek High School, a job he has held since the school opened in 2004, and one to which he brings a lifetime of experience.

Jimmy Wilbanks, Mayor of Dacula - Now in his 13th year as mayor of Dacula, Jimmy Wilbanks said the best part about his job is making a difference in the community. First elected to office in 1971, Wilbanks is now beginning his third consecutive term as mayor and his fifth term overall.


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