Printable Version

LHC Awards Community Service

(The Business Monthly) -- Leadership Howard County (LHC) held its class of 2005-2006 graduation on June 13 at Ten Oaks Ballroom. In addition to the class graduation, LHC also recognized its annual award recipients in the areas of Distinguished Alumni, Leadership Legacy, Unsung Hero and Child Advocate.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Sponsored by the Community Leadership Association (CLA), the Distinguished Alumni Award provides an opportunity each year to recognize and reward one graduate who has made a significant and notable contribution for the betterment of our community. This year the award was presented to Andrea Ingram, executive director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.

Ingram, LHC Class of '91, has richly contributed to Howard County for many years. "Andrea wants what is right for those less fortunate. Howard County is blessed to have a person who has dedicated her life to those 'least among us,'" said Barbara Lawson ('90). "She provides leadership and inspiration to the community by addressing the issues of homelessness, teen suicide prevention and teen pregnancy."

During the past 30 years, Ingram has provided leadership by way of crisis intervention and counseling. From her time as coordinator for Montgomery County 24-hour Crisis Stabilization Services to her current position as executive director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Ingram has provided steadfast advocacy for those in need.

She volunteers with United Way, Association of Community Services and the Local Board on Homelessness and has served on the board of directors for the Association of Community Services, United Way Community Partnerships of Howard County, Howard County Local Board on Homelessness and St. Matthew House. In 2003, she received the ACS Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award and was inducted into the Howard County Women's Hall of Fame in 2004.

Leadership Legacy Award

The Leadership Legacy Award was created to celebrate a Leadership Howard County graduate/friend whose sustained service to Howard County has added enduring value to the community. Because this award reflects lifelong achievement, LHC does not confer it annually. On this occasion, it was presented to Padraic Kennedy.

Kennedy continues to be instrumental in Howard County in virtually every area of endeavor, including education, culture or economics. His leadership of The Columbia Association (CA), during its formative years influenced that institution for generations to come. He also aided CA in the implementation of a critically important, affordable and recurring source of long-term national financing for construction of community facilities.

Kennedy's guidance of The Columbia Foundation came during the crucial years of the organization's endowment development. As president of The Columbia Foundation, he transformed the organization from an annual giving entity to an endowment-based institution.

He also made a major contribution in establishing and promoting creative endeavors in Howard County. Kennedy served as a founder of the Columbia Festival of the Arts and played a leadership role in the development of the Columbia Grand Prix. He also helped lead the effort to raise private funding in support of building the Jim Rouse Theatre as an innovative, school-based community theater.

Now, as chair of the $84 million Horizon Foundation, he continues to impact the community health and wellness, and continues to work as a vehicle for improving the quality of life for many people in Howard County.

Unsung Hero Award

Each year LHC recognizes a graduate whose efforts have not made headlines, but have made a difference. The Unsung Hero works behind the scenes to serve the community, recognizing that service is its own reward. This award provides him or her with some well-deserved appreciation. This year the award was given to Ron Schimel, principal with Miles & Stockbridge.

Schimel, LHC Class of '86, has been a generous leader in the community. While he qualifies for many acknowledgments, he has never basked in the limelight or received the accolades of which he is so deserving.

As a "child advocate," Schimel's leadership and drive in conceptualizing the Leadership U program was one of the prime determinates in making this program a reality. It is a true gift to the young people of the community who have had the opportunity to participate and reap its benefits.

He has been a true "distinguished alumnus," believing and supporting all that the Leadership program has to offer while aspiring to take on greater leadership roles in our community. Schimel's "leadership legacy" is made by his contributions to this community and support of causes that have truly made Howard County a great place to live and work.

In addition to LHC, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, the Festival of the Arts, the Lazarus Foundation, The Horizon Foundation, The Columbia Foundation and many other nonprofits have been the beneficiaries of Schimel's leadership, commitment, problem solving skills and daringness to think "what might be," instead of resting in their comfort zone.

Child Advocate Award

The Child Advocate Award goes annually to a graduate who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives and well-being of Howard County's young people. This year, the award was given to Dale Jackson, children's services administrator for the Howard County Government.

Jackson, LHC Class of '01, has spent her entire 34-year professional career working for children in Howard County. She has been instrumental in acknowledging the needs of young people and bringing together fellow children advocates to promote their health and well-being.

In 1988, she was appointed as the first child care coordinator for Howard County. Her position expanded to children's services coordinator three years later. In that position, Jackson worked collaboratively to access state, local and foundation dollars to expand access to children's services. These efforts resulted in the development of the Howard County Child Care Resource Center, the Local Children's Board and the Howard County Child Advocacy Center.

Her proudest professional accomplishment was her role in the development of the Child Advocacy Center. The center provides timely interdisciplinary screening and comprehensive investigation of child maltreatment allegations and appropriate interventions for children and their families in a child-friendly environment.

Jackson has also been instrumental in the development of "Family Options," a program for teen mothers, and wrote the original grant for "Healthy Families," a home-visitation program for vulnerable first-time parents.

She continues her advocacy for children as administrator for Howard County Office of Children's Services. Jackson believes that, "All kids deserve what his or her [own] children have, to reach their potential with the help of their family and community."

For more information on Leadership Howard County, call Stacie Hunt Irish at 410-730-4474 or visit www. leadershiphc.org.