Three local volunteers were honored recently for their efforts in bettering the community of Lawrence.

Cindy Yulich, Mike Wildgen and Sarajane Scott Koch received their awards at the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013’s graduation ceremony last week at Alvamar Country Club. Two of the honors are traditionally presented at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting but this year were thought to be a natural fit given the theme of the evening.

“They’re kind of an embodiment of what Leadership Lawrence is all about: civic engagement and being active in your community,” Alice Hunt, communications director for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said of the award recipients.

The Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013 gave the Don Volker Leadership Award to Scott Koch, who nominators described as a selfless, tireless volunteer.

Scott Koch has repaired equipment for local nonprofits; organized Relay for Life events to raise money to fight cancer; walked up to 30 miles a weekend to prepare for a breast-cancer walk; baked and cooked for numerous nonprofit gatherings; participated in Habitat for Humanity; and helped coordinate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“She gives on a daily basis and rarely ‘takes,'” said Deb Drummet, of the Boys and Girls Club. “Giving is just part of who S.J. is.”

Yulich and Wildgen received the Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer Award and Buford M. Watson Public Service Award, respectively.

Yulich, who chaired the chamber board of directors in 2011, was honored for leading the chamber’s search for a new president and CEO, dedicating over seven months to the process in late 2011 and early 2012.

Wildgen, meanwhile, has become Lawrence’s go-to interim director, leading several local community organizations in times of transition. He has temporarily held the reins of the Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence Humane Society, Watkins Museum of History and city of Eudora. He is the current interim director of Douglas County Senior Services.