05/01/2026
The Summit is full of residents who donate their time and talent to meaningful causes, and we were honored to celebrate them at our Influencer Award and Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. We're also proud to recognize The Summit's 2026 Influencer, John Bates.
John’s life reflects a deep commitment to learning, service, and community. From a career in transportation planning and higher education to decades of teaching, mentoring, and thoughtful leadership, John has always sought ways to make a positive impact. A lifelong Rotarian, he recently helped launch a Rotary satellite club at The Summit, creating new opportunities for residents to stay engaged in service. His faith, curiosity, and generosity continue to guide everything he does.
Since moving to The Summit in 2023, John has helped spark meaningful connections through the Great Decisions Current Issues discussion group, encouraging respectful conversation and shared learning. When asked what matters most, John points to his children and to leaving behind a legacy of having made a difference.
Congratulations to John Bates, and thank you to all the volunteers who make The Summit such a special place. A special thank you to the VBH Foundation for their support and this year's sponsors, ColonialWebb, a CSUSA Company/ Comfort Systems USA Shoffner.
