The Arc Maryland Awards Program recognizes those individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) represent meritorious service or achievement and warrants special statewide recognition.
Throughout the year, and through their efforts to advance inclusion in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and the community, there are Marylanders who stand above the rest. They are the ones working to create a better world; a world where children and adults with IDD have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Let’s make sure they know we appreciate them and their contributions. They are the bedrock of our movement and essential to our future!
On June 9th, 2021, we held a Virtual Celebration to honor our prestigious awardees.
2021 Awards Categories and Honorees
The Lorraine Sheehan-Bernard A. Gould Award for Volunteer Governmental Affairs Service
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service in governmental affairs in one or more of the Association’s priority goals areas.
2021 Honoree: Dorothy B. Plantz
Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award
This award is presented for advocacy leadership on behalf of persons with IDD and their families, including systemic change, legal advocacy, and professional endeavors that increase the rights of persons with IDD to inclusive lives.
2021 Honoree: NaToya Mitchell, DDA
School Inclusion Award
This award recognizes a school, teacher, educator, administrator, support personnel, or other education professional who has demonstrated excellence in providing quality inclusive educational opportunities for students with IDD, reflective of The Arc’s position on education and inclusion of students with IDD.
2021 Honoree: Sara Wagner, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2021 Honoree: Merrideth Wile, Northern Middle School
Employer of the Year
This award is presented to a private employer, business or firm with an exceptional record and ongoing commitment to provide competitive employment opportunities for people with IDD.
2021 Honoree: Autumn Woods Co.
2021 Honoree: Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Bel Air
Stanley S. Sidle/William Ohge, Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award
This award honors an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (who is affiliated with The Arc) for outstanding participation in or contribution to their community. Achievements may include community leadership, contributions to their community and/or self-advocacy.
2021 Honoree: Matthew Plantz
Community Professional of the Year
This award recognizes an executive/manager of a community service program or community professional. Honorees’ work will have direct relevance to people with IDD. They may have demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding quality services, which results in increased independence and inclusive lives for people with IDD.
2021 Honoree: Ilva Richardson, Frederick County Public Schools
2021 Honoree: Therese Theideman, Southern Maryland Community Resources
The Arc Outstanding Employee of the Year – Administrative/Program Management
This award is presented to an employee of The Arc in Administration/ Program Management at the state or local level who has made the greatest contribution to their organization and the mission of The Arc through both personal and professional efforts. This award recognizes the vital role The Arc employees play in complementing volunteer efforts.
2021 Honoree: Lori Miller, The Arc Baltimore
Catalyst Award
This award conveys official acknowledgement, honor, and appreciation from the Association to individuals for exceptional leadership as innovators “a catalyst” of change, making significant contributions on behalf of people intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2021 Honoree: Troy Van Scoyoc, The Arc Washington County
2021 Honoree: Rob Malone, The Arc Prince George’s County
The Direct Support Professional Award (Gibert John Zucchi Award)
Each chapter of The Arc in Maryland selected one Direct Support Professional for state-wide honor and recognition. The DSP shall be deemed to exemplify the qualities of Gil Zucchi, including superior moral strength and integrity, devotion to individuals with IDD beyond the call of duty, warm personal relationships, respect, thoughtfulness, and fairness in relationships with persons with IDD. This award is presented to The Arc employees in Direct Support who have made the greatest contribution to their chapters and the mission of The Arc through both personal and professional efforts.
2021 Honoree: Ephrem Sahle, The Arc Baltimore
2021 Honoree: Hank Cortesini, The Arc Carroll County
2021 Honoree: Arthur Ellis, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
2021 Honoree: Eric S. Green, The Arc of Frederick County
2021 Honoree: The DSP Staff, The Arc Howard County
2021 Honoree: Ed Stewart, The Arc Montgomery County
2021 Honoree: Ginger Robinson, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
2021 Honoree: Mathew Poku, The Arc Prince George’s County
2021 Honoree: John Gough III, The Arc Southern Maryland
2021 Honoree: Bonnie L. Bowman, The Arc Washington County
Chapter Volunteer of the Year
This award is presented for dedication to The Arc’s mission to create a world where children and adults with IDD have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
2021 Honoree: Thomas Sand, The Arc Baltimore
2021 Honoree: Sherri-Le Bream, The Arc Carroll County
2021 Honoree: Josh Miller, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
2021 Honoree: Rose Froelich, The Arc of Frederick County
2021 Honoree: Matt Hart, The Arc Howard County
2021 Honoree: Donna DePamphilis, The Arc Maryland
2021 Honoree: Stephanie Katz, The Arc Montgomery County
2021 Honoree: Lt. Hugh John Dougherty, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
2021 Honoree: Sloane Butler, The Arc Prince George’s County
2021 Honoree: Leonardtown High School National Honor Society, The Arc Southern Maryland
2021 Honoree: Bob Bodell, The Arc Washington County
Legislators of the Year
This award is presented for outstanding leadership in the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of the rights of persons with IDD. Honorees are selected by the President, Executive Director, and Co-Chairs of the Governmental Affairs Committee of The Arc Maryland.
2021 Honoree: Senator Douglas J.J. Peters, District 23, Prince George’s County
2021 Honoree: Delegate Michele Guyton, District 42B, Baltimore County
2021 Honoree: Delegate Michael Griffith, District 35B, Cecil and Harford Counties
The Legacy Award
This award is presented on those occasions where the individual’s lifetime work leaves a legacy for the future and mission of The Arc.
2021 Honoree: Sue Rattman, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
The President’s Cup
This award is selected each year by The Arc Maryland’s state President and honors those who have contributed to the mission and vision of The Arc by providing exceptional commitment to improve the quality of life for people with IDD.
2021 Honoree: Beatrice Rodgers