Community members who improve the quality of life for Harford County youth were honored at the 2016 Champions for Children and Youth Awards ceremony on June 24 at Harford Community College’s Chesapeake Center in Bel Air. The Harford County Department of Community Services Local Management Board holds this annual event to recognize individuals who go above and beyond as professionals, volunteers, and fellow youth to help young people from birth to age 21.
Fifteen nominees and their guests were treated to breakfast before receiving their award of original artwork by Katie Bonham, a fifth grade student at Red Pump Elementary School. The framed piece by a young artist, depicting a young dancer, symbolizes all of the children that these caring individuals work for every day, enhancing their lives and their futures.
The 2016 recipients of the Harford County Champions for Children and Youth Award are: Matthew Buerhaus, Grace Callwood, Noel Francis, Steve & Marlyn Gambrill, Jacob Hutton, Raekwon M., Cindy Matuska, Bonnie Mitrega, Amber O’Brien, Jennifer Redding, Lynn Reed, Pamela Runge, Stephen Thomas, Posie Thompson, and Chiwy Webster.
“These award-winning citizens truly are champions for lifting up our youth and helping them on a path toward a brighter future,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “Through their dedication, Harford County grows stronger one child at a time.”
Keynote speakers at the awards ceremony were Laurie Namey, supervisor of Equity and Cultural Proficiency for Harford County Public Schools and Genae Hatcher, student representative for Harford County Board of Education. Kevin Keegan, director of Family Services for Catholic Charities and vice-chair of the Local Management Board, served as the master of ceremonies.
Sponsors for this year’s event were: The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, Catholic Charities, Core Service Agency of Harford County, Harford Community College, Harford County Department of Social Services, Harford County Public Library, Jones Junction, MeadowWood Behavioral Health System, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, and Vincenti Decoys.
The Harford County Local Management Board works to continually improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. For information, please contact 410-638-3166 or [email protected].
