For her service to the greater community, former Councilmember Vicki Hunt has been named a Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the category of Lifetime Acheivement.
The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live, work or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their achievements and distinguished contributions to the community and beyond.
Hunt will be honored at an awards luncheon next year. The third annual Hometown Heroes luncheon will honor those nominated in 2023.
Like the native desert plants that reach deep into the soil in search of water, my roots in this community run deep. I’m one of those rare individuals who can claim Arizona native status. I was born in 1943 to Nancy Witter who was also a native and Bob Callin, who was an airman at Luke Field. A typical story of the times: They met at church, fell in love, got married, I arrived, and in three years my brother Ted Callin came along to complete our family of four.
Personal background highlights.
I grew up in Glendale, graduating first from Glendale High School and later from Grand Canyon College (not yet a university.) I later received my Masters Degree from Chapman University and studied at universities in Vermont and at Oxford University in England. I have one brother, Ted Callin, who is now retired from the Phoenix Fire Department. I have three adult children: Jeff Vinck, Katie Vinck Thompson and Chad Vinck, and four grandchildren, Ryan, Macie, Reagan and Addison. They, like me, claim Arizona native status and all still live here. All three of my children graduated from PHS.
My interests and hobbies.
Over the years I have had many hobbies. I love to read, I love art, have written published articles, and gardened for fun. I am also attempting to write down family stories.
The trait(s) I admire in others.
Traits I admire in others are honesty. Don’t lie to me, hard work, creativity and loyalty, as well as holding high expectations for yourself and others.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?
I believe that each of us has only a limited time on this earth and that it is our responsibility to live that precious life in the best way possible according to the abilities each of us possesses. Make the place, large or small, around you, better because you were here.
Name a couple future goals.
I hope God allows me stay healthy and to live long enough to video many more oral histories of Peoria.
