Washington Daily News staff report

 

Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children is seeking entries for its annual service award, one that honors former elementary school teacher and BHPC board member Emma W. Howard.

BHCP is currently accepting applications for the 2015 Ms. Emma’s Children’s Service Award, and seeking that outstanding local individual known for his or her commitment to serving young children and their families in Beaufort or Hyde counties.

The categories of nomination include early care and education, child health, early intervention, parenting education, business, family support, community, civic, advocacy and public office. The winner is selected by members of Beaufort County’s Inter-agency Coordinating Council based on a rubric scale. The 2015 winner will be announced at the BHPC’s annual meeting in June, according to Lisa Woolard, executive director of BHPC.

“We usually surprise the winner with the announcement during the annual meeting,” Woolard said. “The award is typically presented to the winner by the person who nominated him or her and it is truly a joy to celebrate the work of the award recipient.”

BHPC leadership made the decision to name the Children’s Service Award after Howard when she retired from the organization’s board in June 2011. Howard also worked an elementary teacher in Beaufort County for many years prior to her service on the Partnership’s board, according to Woolard.

“Ms. Emma served on the Partnership’s board of directors as the secretary for over 12 years,” Woolard said. “During that time Ms. Emma shared her devoted spirit and passion for positively impacting young children and their families in our community and she inspired others to do the same.”

Previous winners include John Everett, Trish Wall, Donna Pittman, Elena Cameron, Sharon Spencer, F. Ray Moore, Lynn Younce, Kelli Russell and Teresa Smith.

Applications are available at the BHPC website at beaufortcountykids.org or the organization’s office at 979 Washington Square Mall, Washington. Applications may be mailed or dropped off at Beaufort-Hyde Partnership office located at 979 Washington Square Mall, Washington, NC 27889. All applications must be submitted by noon on May 14.

For more information, please call 252-975-4647, ext. 0.