Sam Beard, the co-founder of presented the Jefferson Award Gold Medal to Special Honoree, Ms. Linda Michalski as Moderator/Mentor of Benedictine Academy's three time Jefferson Awards Gold Medal High School. In 2013, Benedictine Academy was awarded the top Ambassador National Jefferson Award Gold Medal for a High School in the entire nation. In 2012, Benedictine Academy was awarded the National Jefferson Gold Medal for #1 High School for Volunteer service Leadership in the United States of America. In 2011, Benedictine Academy was awarded the Regional Jefferson Awards Gold Medal and Best High School in the country. The Mayor of Elizabeth, Hon. Christian Bollwage, had a special message for Benedictine Academy.
The Jefferson Awards is the official volunteer recognition program of the U.S. Senate and White House in Washington DC. It is run by a Board of Selectors, leaders in every field of endeavor ranging from government, the arts, education, entertainment, sports and business. Laura Bush, Hon. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Chris Wallace, Jack Russi, and C. Tyson are a few of the great men and women who serve on the Board of Selectors.
http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2013/06/benedictine_academy_attends_nj.html
The Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of State, Ms. Kim Guadagno, gave the opening remarks to this momentous event. She was particularly touched to be part of this evening that honored in a special way the volunteers who devoted their time, energy and resources to the Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. "In the aftermath of one of the worst storms in our state's history, volunteers throughout New Jersey and across the nation responded immediately to the devastation and began working together as part of a long-term effort to help our state recover and rebuild..."
The Master of Ceremonies was Steve Adubato. He is an Emmy-award winning PBS broadcaster, anchor, author, and motivational speaker. There were (21) honorees celebrated and awarded with the NJ Governor's Jefferson Awards Gold Medal.
"These honorees represent a small fraction of the approximately 1.5 million New Jersey volunteers who provide millions of hours of service throughout the state each year." The presenters included partners from PSEG, State Farm, Verizon, BD, and the Star Ledger.
"Rowena Madden, who has dedicated her career to being an unwavering voice and advocate for volunteerism and community-based initiatives throughout New Jersey, received special recognition from the National Jefferson Awards for a lifetime of service."
Richard Vezza, publisher of the Star Ledger shares this message regarding the Jefferson Awards Gold Medal for Public Volunteer Service: "The `Great Society' envisioned by Thomas Jefferson was a nation of informed and involved citizens. The people we honor tonight have made that vision a reality."
WE GIVE THANKS TO ALMIGHTY GOD,
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED MOTHER MARY,
FOR THE PRIVILEGE AND HONOR
TO BE HIS INSTRUMENT OF PEACE!
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