July 22. The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce recognized two Lake Norman community leaders at the annual meeting held at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville. Tonya Rivens received the top community service award while Wes Choplin received the citizenship award.

Rivens, who is heard on Streetz 103.3/100.5 FM, led efforts to raise $20,000 which was used to purchase Chrome notebooks for Charlotte Mecklenburg students during COVID.

Choplin, the owner of Choplin’s Restaurant in Cornelius, donated hundreds of lunches each week filled with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and pizza during the peak of COVID.

Rivens said COVID forced our community to accept some hard truths about disparities in education.

“We created resource centers, in partnership with the UPS Foundation and the faith community, that assisted hundreds of students who were without laptops and internet service. By providing students with these essential tools, we enabled them to gain access to a virtual, educational process that resulted from the pandemic,” she said.

Wes Choplin, owner of Choplin’s Restaurant (center), with Chamber President Bill Russell, Board Chair Richard Pappas, Chopin’s Restaurant Manager Char Kluvers, and John Crutchfield. Photo: John McHugh / Ocaid Photography.

Tonya Rivens, center, with 2020 LKN Chamber Chair Richard Pappas and chamber founder John Cherry. Photo: John McHugh / Ocaid Photography