ALAMOSA — Two community leaders were recognized at the meeting of Alamosa City Council Wednesday night, for their contributions to future generations in Alamosa.   

Longtime Alamosa resident Marion Loser was presented with a Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Tree Coalition for her efforts in working to preserve and enhance the community of trees of Alamosa.  

Adam Moore with the, Colorado State Forest Service introduced the award, stating that the Colorado Tree Coalition – a statewide organization whose mission is to preserve, renew and enhance community forests – recognizes citizens throughout the state for their efforts related to community trees. 

“Marion Loser served on the Alamosa Tree Board from 2008 to 2018,” Moore told council, “in all roles from secretary to head of the board. She also recruited a lot of members and has hand a lasting impact, including writing regular articles in the Valley Courier and getting the board on a regular cycle of applying for grants that we can get.” 

Moore then turned the podium over to Andy Rice, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Alamosa.  

Rice said, “This award is in honor of Marion’s lasting impact on Alamosa tree community, her leadership on the board, her pursuing grant money, her development of educational resources like Alamosatrees.net and advocating for revisions to city code to reflect best practices in landscaping and parking lots.  Her dedication has inspired countless residents in planting and caring for trees and shaping Alamosa’s tree culture for generations to come.” 

Loser, who looked a little stunned by the standing ovation she received, accepted the award with grace and dignity.  

Michelle Rubidioux-Wilson, principal of Alamosa Elementary, was recognized with a proclamation by the city after being named the Colorado Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives. 

She began teaching elementary school in 2000 and has been described by both school district leadership and peers as being resilient, passionate and a person who puts others before self. The award, as stated in the proclamation, “is well-deserved recognition, a testament to her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and deep commitment to student success.”