10/29/2026
First, I want to sincerely thank the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, and everyone who took part in selecting me for this Community Hero Award. To those who nominated me, thank you for recognizing the work I do and the passion I have for serving others. I am truly humbled and honored.
To my work family, my amazing library staff: Thank you! You are so much more than employees or coworkers. You are my team, my support system, and my family. Every day, I see your dedication, your compassion, and the difference you make in the lives of the people we serve. I may be standing here receiving this award, but please know that I share this recognition with each and every one of you. I appreciate you more than words can express. Thank you to members of the Bridgeton Library Board for trusting in me and your unconditional support. Your belief in my vision, your encouragement, and your steadfast commitment has been instrumental in making this possible.
For more than 20 years, civic service and community involvement have been a part of who I am. Whether through volunteering, mentoring young people, helping families, supporting local organizations, or advocating for those whose voices aren’t always heard, I have always believed that if you have the ability to make a difference, you have a responsibility to try.
And I don’t do these things for recognition or awards. I do them because I genuinely care about people.
I wasn’t born and raised in Bridgeton, but I chose to make Bridgeton my home. And when you choose a community to call home, you also choose to care about its future.
Being called a Community Hero is an incredible honor. But to me, the real heroes are the everyday people who quietly give their time, energy, and hearts to making life better for someone else, often without ever expecting a thank-you.
And if there’s one thing I hope my years of service demonstrate, it’s that you don’t have to be born in a community to love it, and you don’t have to hold public office to make a difference. You simply have to care enough to get involved.
I accept this award with a grateful heart, but also with a renewed commitment to keep serving, keep advocating, and keep working toward a stronger, brighter Bridgeton.
Thank you again to the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, to my family, my incredible staff, and to everyone who has supported and believed in me along the way.
This award is not the finish line for me. It’s another reminder of why I started—and why I’m not finished yet.
