Nominate a local hero for children

Do you know someone who is an unsung hero for Washington County’s children, ages 0-18? Someone who again and again goes ‘above and beyond’ for the children of our community?
Help us shine a spotlight on their efforts and say ‘thanks’ by nominating her/him for the prestigious 2018 “Champion for Children” Award. This award is presented annually by the Washington County Coalition for Children (WCCC), the region’s child advocacy organization.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, May 3rd. You can download a simple-to-complete nomination form at www.washcokids.org.
Your nominee for Champion for Children must have demonstrated a long-term commitment on behalf of children. (Current WCCC members are ineligible to receive the award.) Past Champions have promoted, secured, and/or provided quality services to children and families in an exemplary way.
Past winners, listed below, have been advocates, educators, foster parents, health care practitioners, and elected officials.
• Daniel Fitzgerald, Founder & Executive Director, Chariho Youth Task Force
• Joseph Dziobek, Executive Director, Welcome House
• Kathleen Marran Schlenz, Peace Dale, Occupational Therapist and special needs advocate
• Ella Whaley, South Kingstown Town Council and local children’s advocate
• Stephen Iacoi, Westerly School Dept. Attendance Officer and Mentor
• Sensei Andrew Cornell, Gabrieles Martial Arts;
• Olympic Physical Therapy, Community Health & Fitness Programs;
• Pediatrician Celeste Corcoran, Coastal Medical: Narragansett Bay Pediatrics;
• Candy Lodge, North Kingstown Special Olympics;
• South Kingstown School Superintendent Dr. Robert Hicks;
• Tammy McNeiece, Special Education teacher at Curtis Corner Middle School;
• Deedra Durocher, foster parent and business leader;
• Kim Bossian, Head Start Health Coordinator for South County Community Action;
• Mark Hawk, Special Education Director for Westerly School Department; and
• Wilburn Logan of the Family Advocacy Project
Anyone can submit nominations, but the deadline is Friday, May 3, 2019. The winner will be honored at the Coalition’s 17th Annual Children’s Issues Forum/Breakfast held later in May.
Interested people can download a nomination form 2019 Champion for Children form. For more information, contact Pamela Watson at (401) 523-6962 or watsonpamela@cox.net.