Wednesday, July 1, 2015

How amazing are Prince George's County parents?!


2015 Amazing Parent recipients (c) flanked by In Reach staff and presenters.

Largo, MD | On June 14, 2015, In Reach, Inc., held its Fourth Annual Celebrating Amazing Prince George’s County Parents Awards Program, an event honoring outstanding parents with children currently enrolled in a Prince George’s County Public School.

“Each year, I am more amazed than the last of our wonderful and diverse pool of nominees. Prince George’s County has many amazing parents and it is time they are recognized. It is my hope that In Reach can be a vessel for which these incredibly engaged and involved parents can someday, collectively, raise their voices on behalf of all children in the county especially those living in lower income and under-served communities. Our children deserve the best we have to offer,” said Executive Director, Ms. Toni Smith.

Congratulations again to our three 2015 Amazing Parent Award recipients:

Mr. Robert Mathieu, recipient of the Ingrid M. Turner Amazing Parent Award for demonstrating a strong sense of community as a volunteer, coach and mentor. Mr. Mathieu represents the Barnaby Manor ES community.

Ms. Sharon Lewis, recipient of the Parks and Recreation Amazing Parent Award for being an awesome and dedicated bridge builder in the lives of children. Ms. Lewis represents the (High Bridge ES) Samuel Ogle MS community.

Ms. Dina Bell Nance, recipient of the In Reach, Inc. Amazing Parent Award for being an all around selfless individual, active in the school and community, and an incredible parent who best demonstrates a well-rounded presence. Ms. Nance represents the Walker Mill MS community.

In Reach would also like to thank all 18 of the 2015 nominees: Mr. Mark & Mrs. Monique Adams, Ms. Gwendolyn Allen, Ms. Nicole Barnett, Ms. Gayle Brown, Ms. LaShawn James, Ms. Mary Lane, Ms. Sharon Lewis, Ms. Janice Lofland, Mr. Robert Mathieu, Mr. Jerrod Mustaf, Ms. Dina Nance, Ms. Lisa Ojeda-Brown, Ms. Christine Price, Ms. Sherry A. Rather, Ms. Debbie Robinson, Ms. Ayanna Niambi Shorter and Ms. Cynthia Weaver.

"Our children are our future and we need to build strong and vibrant communities and institutions to support them. We must support and encourage effective parenting, which is the most essential ingredient in child development.  I am encouraged by the work of organizations like "In Reach, Inc." that have enhanced parent involvement and child advocacy as a primary goal," shared Alvin Thornton, Ph.D.

In Reach thanks all of the individuals and sponsors who helped make the Fourth Annual Celebrating Amazing Prince George’s County Parents Awards Program a success especially our passionate guest speaker Dr. Alvin Thornton; the Honorable Ingrid M. Turner, former Council Member, District 4; Ms. Shawna Fachet of the Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation; Mr. Jaracus Copes, President of New Destiny, LLC and Master of Ceremonies; and Kelly Bell, In Reach Board Directors, all pictured above.

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In Reach, Inc., is a tax exempt 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization designed to prepare students for college, work and life. Founded in 1999, In Reach envisions healthy, productive and prepared young adults in every family. To learn more about our work, visit www.inreachinc.org.