On November 20, 2023, Topper Amerson was awarded the Averill C. Harkey Award of Excellence at a reception in his honor at the Sharon of SouthPark. Besides the community of The Sharon at SouthPark, Amerson was joined at the event by his family and close friends.
Topper Amerson, Servant Leader
Topper Amerson has been a fixture as the facilities services director at the Sharon at SouthPark for 26 years. Four years ago, he transitioned his role to become the assistant owner’s representative for the Phase I project, assisting Jim Schumacher and mentoring the current director, Cory Stepanski.
Several people nominated Topper, saying,
“I have never met as dedicated employee to any organization as this man. He cares about the safety of the residents and staff so much he puts himself in danger at times to protect others at our facility,”
“Individuals in his department, and other departments, seek him out for his wealth of knowledge and expertise, turning to him for support and assistance.”
“Topper defines the term servant leader. He was invaluable during our construction, especially the Deerwood and Healthcare phases. His love and loyalty to our residents and their facilities bring joy to many. He is a true humble servant!”
When asked how someone of such a humble nature feels about receiving these accolades, Topper laughs, “It’s pretty tough. I’m not one that is impressed with myself.” He adds, “I guess the best way for me to put it is I just feel like I’ve taken the way I was raised by my parents and tried to build on that and do what I know is right and how I like to treat people… How I treat residents is how I would treat my mother or my father.”
The Averill C. Harkey Award of Excellence
Since 1999, the Averill C. Harkey Award of Excellence has been given annually to a team member, resident, Board member or volunteer in recognition of their tireless efforts to bring The Sharon at SouthPark to a new level of excellence. The recipient is chosen from candidates nominated by Board members, leadership and Residents’ Council members. This year, 24 members of the Sharon at SouthPark community were nominated for the award. After carefully reviewing all nominations, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors selected Topper Amerson as the 2023 recipient.
It means a lot to Topper that the award was inspired by the Harkey family. “I met Averill right after I came to work here when he was on the Board,” Amerson says, “I’ve always had the utmost respect for Averill and Henry, his brother. It meant a lot when I looked up and saw Averill at that reception. He’s just a fine fellow. I’m glad I can call him a friend.”
Though known for being soft spoken, Topper is proud to receive the award. “I’m so thankful that The Sharon at SouthPark has been good to me,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of friends here, and I think the world of them.”
As this award so rightly conveys, the community of The Sharon at SouthPark thinks the world of Topper Amerson, too.
Pictured avove (left to right): Wendy Amerson, (daughter), Topper, Kevin Amerson, (son) and Emily Amerson, (daughter-in-law).
