THE EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY COUNCIL honored community leaders, educators, students and businesses during its 17th Annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner May 18. Among honorees: 2012 Dorcas J. Elledge Award for Community Service, Gail Baker, Hyatt Park; 2012 Business Leader of the Year, Pepsi Beverage Company and Gerald Patton; 2012 Educator of the Year, Myron Thomas, Eau Claire High School; 2012 Volunteers of the Year, Abd’Allah Adesanya, Ridgewood/Barony, Edith Tidwell, Burton Heights/Standish Acres, Mardean Salley, Northwood Hills, Dorthie McDuffie, Forest Heights, Bernetha Harrison, Gable Oaks, Dennis Black, Denny Terrace; and 2012 Student Achievement, Jahaad Ingram, Arden Elementary, Destiny J’nea Ford, Hyatt Park Elementary, Felix Samuel, John P. Thomas Elementary, Deandre Scott, Alcorn Middle, Minniya Muhammad, New Timbuktu Academy, Robert Lee Green III, Midlands Tech. Special recognition awards also were given to Caroline Whitson, president of Columbia College, the Rev. Marcus Miller, president of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and Henry Hopkins, the council’s executive director.