At the 2025 Community Asset Awards Saturday at Fuller Lodge, from left, Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding and Fabrication who handcrafted the ‘Spirit of the West’ award, this year’s recipient Randi Simmons and Champions of Youth Ambitions Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen. Photo by Chad Lauritzen

COMMUNITY News:

Randi Simmons was the top winner at the 2025 Community Asset Awards held Saturday at Fuller Lodge. Simmons received the “Spirit of the West”  award. She is heralded for her work to help Veterans, families in need, first responders and suicide prevention.

Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen was joined by C’YA Board Members Kate Stoddard and Gabriel Vigil who presented award certificates with the support of 100 Men Who Care. Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding and Fabrication was recognized for his generosity in handcrafting the “Spirit of the West” award for 15 of the last 16 years at no cost to C’YA, a non-profit organization.

Simmons, who lives and works in Los Alamos, is described as selfless and dedicated to helping make things better for the community. She became certified in QPR, to help reduce suicide in the community and state, training  more than 200 people throughout New Mexico.

During the last five years, Simmons has provided the community with the opportunity to Remember, Honor, and Teach by heading up efforts for cemetery wreath sponsorship. Her efforts have resulted in 100% coverage of all Veteran graves at Guaje Pines Cemetery for three years running. She organizes community events such as first responder breakfasts, health and comfort item drives, and sponsoring Christmas families during the holidays.

“Randi has worked terribly hard to turn personal tragedies into motivations to help others avoid similar scenarios,” Lauritzen said. “She is a credit to the community, which unfortunately doesn’t typically come with a lot of recognition in relation to the impact it brings. I hope in one small way, this recognition helps her realize that she is appreciated and important so that it will help boost her confidence, improve her resolve that she does make a difference, and allows for paying back to her for all the effort, tears, and frustrations she experiences in making a difference.

Read more about the 2025 CommUNITY Asset Awards later this week in the Los Alamos Daily Post and on Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) Facebook page.