Kohl-Welles recognizes Allan Panitch’s contributions to the community with MLK Medal of Distinguished Service

May 22, 2017

Summary

“Allan has demonstrated his dedication and service to youth and to our most vulnerable citizens throughout his entire adult life”

Story

In his 93 years, Allan Panitch has served his community in a number of ways. Today, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles recognized Panitch’s lifetime of service to the people of King County by awarding him the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service.

“Allan has demonstrated his dedication and service to youth and to our most vulnerable citizens throughout his entire adult life,” said Kohl-Welles of Panitch, a resident of Queen Anne’s Bayview Retirement Community.

Having been a member of the Executive Board of Washington State CASA and a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem in Juvenile Court, Panitch has been a strong advocate for youth in the criminal justice system. He has served on the King County Mental Health Advisory Board and works in his community as a member of the Queen Anne Community Council as its Public Safety Chair, and as Vice President for Public Safety, Uptown Alliance.

The parent of a child who, while working as a public psychiatric social worker was murdered by one of her clients, Panitch also is an advocate for the victims of crime. He is a member of Washington Department of Corrections Victims Council and serves on the Advisory Board of Justice for Homicide Victims, Inc.

Allan Panitch is one of nine citizens living across King County whose contributions to their community echo the incredible selfless leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County.