Printer Friendly Version - MADE Celebrates Madison Heroes

Everyday heroes recognized at MADE in Madison’s annual meeting were (from left) David Melillo, Detective Phil Rosati, Joe Walker, Shane Sweitzer, Amelia Orlando, MADE Chair Tina Garrity, Joan Walker, and Jill Swimmer. Not pictured: Gayle DuFor, Christina Leonardi, Scott Sweitzer, Ginny Perkins, Tom Sacrice, TJ Salutari, and Frank Henderson. @SPN Cut credit:Photo courtesy of Kristin Sandler

MADE in Madison (Madison Alcohol and Drug Education) held its annual meeting recently to celebrate everyday people doing extraordinary things in our community. The event was a kickoff for the upcoming year during which the coalition will recognize that “Heroes are MADE in Madison.” Many awards were presented at the meeting, held at the Madison Senior Center. The MADE Steering Committee selected many deserving local heroes because of their unique contributions to the health and well-being of Madison youth.

Certificates were presented to high school students who are members of LIFE Choices and who were part of The Worst That Could Happen play. Special recognition was paid to director Christina Leonardi and Scott Sweitzer, Ginny Perkins, and Joan and Joe Walker for their roles in the production. Shane Sweitzer was awarded for his winning safe driving PSA and Daniel Hand High School senior Amelia Orlando was celebrated for her one-act play about cyberbullying, Don’t. Hit. Send. Also recognized was school resource officer Detective Phil Rosati. Tom Scarice, TJ Salutari, and Frank Henderson of Madison Public Schools were awarded for their support of MADE’s in-school initiatives. Lastly, Gayle DuFor, owner of What’s Cookin’, was recognized for her support of MADE and shared her story of being involved in a drunk driving crash. DuFor was hit by a drunk driver on her way home from a catering job; the incident reinforced her belief in MADE’s mission and inspired her to speak out about defensive driving.

The night’s biggest awards were presented to David Melillo and Jill Swimmer. Melillo, the director of Madison Youth & Family Services (MYFS) and treasurer of MADE, was given the Clark Kent Award in recognition of his contributions to Madison youth over his 32 years at the helm of MYFS. Melillo is humble, patient, and hardworking, the embodiment of an ordinary citizen pulling off superhuman feats. Swimmer, a member of MADE for seven years and the outgoing vice chair of the coalition, was bestowed the first-ever Starfish Award for her dedication to building the developmental assets of Madison youth. The coalition will continue to award the Starfish Award in her honor to members who make similar lasting contributions to the youth in Madison.

Throughout the upcoming year, MADE will celebrate everyday heroes who make lasting contributions to the well-being of our community. To nominate someone who is making a lasting, positive contribution to our town, email the nomination to madeinmadison@madisonct.org. For more information about MADE, visit www.madeinmadison.org.