Michelle Ross is the 2020 Good Neighbor. “Michelle is one of the most knowledgable people I know, and if she doesn’t know something, she’ll tell you who does. Her community services in the school and endless organizations makes her a shoe in for the title of Good Neighbor. She’s a true pillar in our community,” a nomination form said.
Michelle Ross recognized as 2020 Good Neighbor
By Samantha Goff
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
“Every community needs a Michelle,” read one nomination letter for this year’s good neighbor.
Just one reason why Michelle Ross has been selected as the 2020 Good Neighbor.
Ross was born in Grant and raised in Elsie, and is the daughter of Ken and Jane Potts.
Ross is a 1994 Wheatland graduate and has lived in Perkins County her whole life.
Michelle married her high school sweetheart Tom in 1995, and the couple has a daughter, Brandie, 22, and son Spencer, 20.
She recalled enjoying coaching her kids in various sports and activities as they were growing up, including t-ball, softball, volleyball, flag football and basketball.
“She helps so much at the school and keeps score and is one of the first to jump in to help with any fundraisers or anything they need, what a blessing to our community,” a nomination letter said.
Ross is employed at Pinnacle bank and will celebrate 24 years there in August.
“She has been at the bank forever and is always so friendly and very helpful,” one nominator explained.
Michelle is a member of countless organizations and holds a seat on several boards in the community.
She has been a treasurer and a chairman with the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund since 2003, the president from 2012-2018, and now the treasurer of the Perkins County Booster Club since 2018.
Ross has been an avid member of the Perkins County Chamber of Commerce as well, holding the secretary seat from 2015-2018, President in 2019 and remains active as the past president.
Admitted as being one of her favorite projects, Ross also organizes the Madrid, Elsie, Wheatland Alumni reunion every other year since 2003.
“I enjoy hosting our Madrid, Elsie, Wheatland Alumni Banquets and love to see people’s reaction when they see a classmate or family friend they haven’t seen in a long time.”
Another project that Michelle holds close to her heart is “Madrid Day” which she started in 2005 and ran through 2010.
“Madrid day was really fun, especially when my kids were young and we were able to bring that kind of fun back to the community,” Ross said.
“My parents taught me all about volunteering and giving back to your community. I love to help people,” Michelle said.
Ross is also a member of the American Legion Auxillary and the Elsie Resurrection Church Alter Society.
“Being a ‘home’ town and every body working together, that’s my favorite thing about our community,” Ross said about her favorite thing about Perkins County.
“I so appreciate being nominated for Good Neighbor, and I love our small community and how we all come together to help our neighbors no matter what the situation may be,” she said.