Seven Atlantic County residents will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our community at the 36th annual Donald J. Sykes Awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 21 at Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township.
Each October the county celebrates Disability Awareness Month with the presentation of awards to individuals with disabilities who were nominated by area organizations, family or friends for their positive attitudes, personal accomplishments and their success in enriching the lives of others. The ceremony is presented as a cooperative effort of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Atlantic County Disability Advisory Board.
Established by the county in 1989, the ceremony was later named in memory of Donald J. Sykes, a longtime community advocate and former chairman of the county’s Disabled Citizens Advisory Board.
“This event is extremely humbling,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “It is our privilege to recognize these individuals who inspire us all. Their determination, creativity, and agility have enabled them to excel. Their life experiences provide a wonderful perspective. No challenge is insurmountable if we set our minds to it.”
This year’s honorees include:
Gregory Cappello, Hammonton; Christ Georges, Atlantic City; Stephen Jones, Galloway: Tierra Houston, Pleasantville; Michael Polisano Harris, Mays Landing; Andrea Schofield, Mays Landing; and Jonathan Teeter, Atlantic City.
For information on disability services, contact the Atlantic County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-888-426-9243.