BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 2, 2019) – Two individuals who have had an impact in 2019 on their community will start the Consumers Energy 400 on Aug. 11. The Jackson County Teacher of the Year, Carmel McDonald, will serve as the grand marshal while Michigan hero Patrick Huffman will drop the green flag as the honorary starter.
”We can think of no one better to honor at the Consumers Energy 400 than two people who are making a difference here in Michigan,” said Brian Rich, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president for customer experience. “Consumers Energy is excited to highlight these individuals and to share our commitment to people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity by sponsoring this race.”
The most famous words in motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines,” will be delivered by McDonald when the Consumers Energy 400 gets underway on Aug. 11. Huffman will wave the green flag as the cars come roaring under him to start the race.
“We are excited to have two individuals who have made a huge impact on the local community to serve as honorary officials for the Consumers Energy 400,” MIS President Rick Brenner said. “This is the perfect way to recognize those that go above and beyond the call of duty in the local area.”
The Paragon Charter Academy teacher is vital to the success of her middle school students. McDonald earned the top grade in Jackson Magazine’s Top Teacher Award Issue. She knew she wanted to be a teacher since she had one very special teacher during her sixth and seventh grade years. McDonald is from British Columbia, Canada and moved to Jackson, Mich. 13 years ago.
Huffman, who works at Consumers Energy’s Karn Generating Plant near Bay City, was heading to work when he saw a house on fire. As he watched the fire continue to spread he noticed lights on inside the house. That’s when he realized he had to do something.
“I parked in a neighbor’s driveway and looked for downed wires; once I realized the scene was safe I knocked on the front door and a man jumped up from the couch,” Huffman said. “It was late at night so it took a little convincing to get him to trust me and evacuate.”
When the State Police arrived to the scene, Huffman directed them to the homeowner and then headed to work at Karn. Later that evening the police officer called Huffman to inform him he had saved the homeowner’s life. If it was not for Huffman, the homeowner would likely not have woken up.
Huffman credits his company training and work experience for feeling prepared to jump in and potentially save a life.
“My wire guard and meter reading training allowed me to assess the situation and verify my safety,” said Huffman. “My experiences from Karn allowed me to think quickly through a stressful situation and make sound judgments. If I didn’t have the training and experience that I’ve received from Consumers Energy, I probably would have been watching from the parking lot with the rest of the crowd.”