Council announces award winners

Published on November 05, 2026

The city council announced the citizen of the year and caring youth award winners at the volunteer appreciation dinner on November 4.

Citizen of the year: Nancy Hite

A long-time Shoreview resident, Nancy has truly made our community her home through her incredible dedication, leadership, and service. For decades, Nancy has devoted her life to civic engagement and nonprofit leadership—spanning decades of work focused on vulnerable youth, women’s issues, human rights, and community philanthropy across the Twin Cities and Shoreview. 

Nancy’s commitment to public service includes serving on the Shoreview Human Rights Commission, where she applied her skills to ensure all  people are welcomed, valued, and respected in our city. Her leadership reaches deep into the local community, where she has lent her time and expertise to several initiatives and organizations, including:

• Shoreview Community Foundation Advisory Board – Former Member (2014) and Chair (2015–2020), leading efforts to grant qualified funds to non-profits and build an endowment exceeding $1 million for Shoreview residents.
• Suburban Ramsey COVID Relief Coalition – Leader during the 2020 pandemic, raising vital funds and organizing volunteers to meet emergency needs in food, housing, and mental health.
• Northeast Metro Golden K Club – Current Board Member, advocating for the needs of local children and community improvement.
• Minneapolis YWCA – Former CEO (1992–2005), championing women's programs and community development across the metro area.
• Minneapolis Youth Diversion Project (now YouthLink) – Founder, recognized by the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 1999 as a "Newsmaker" for her impact on vulnerable youth.

In addition to her civic work, Nancy is a soloist with the Pig's Eye Jazz Band, which her late husband Jim Torok founded. Through all of her community work, she remains a dedicated cornerstone for her family and actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren.

When asked what advice she’d offer to someone looking to get involved, Nancy shared:

“There is a place for you! Think about what you are passionate about, and pursue it through volunteerism!”

Congratulations Nancy on being named the 2026 citizen of the year and thank you for your commitment to making Shoreview a better place to live!

Caring youth award: Cora Gentry

This annual award, created by the Shoreview Human Rights Commission, honors the city’s outstanding youth. It reminds us that anyone, no matter their age, can help form the foundation of our community.

As a junior at Mounds View High School, Cora’s dedication to Shoreview spans both locally and nationally. Here in Shoreview, she’s cared for the youngest to the oldest residents of our community by organizing kids' care at an English Language Learner program and volunteering at Scandia Shores. She and her family have also adopted Bobby Theisen Park, where they regularly organize trash cleanups. 

Statewide, she worked with a team to submit an initiative for "America's Future Summit," a civic ideas competition. Her team won the top prize and is now working to provide energy-efficient LED light bulbs to small businesses.

Nationally,  Cora works with the National Kidney Foundation, advocating at the Minnesota Capitol and in Washington, D.C., for kidney care legislation—including the successful bipartisan Living Donor Protection Act.

At school, Cora is a Mustang Mentor, National Honor Society member, and three-sport athlete in cross-country, Nordic skiing, and track and field. As you can see, Cora continuously strives to make Shoreview a brighter, more welcoming community. 

When asked what her favorite part about volunteering is, Cora noted that it’s knowing her actions help others.

Congratulations Cora on being named the 2026 caring youth award winner and thank you for your remarkable achievements and positive impact to our community.