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06/21/2018 12:01 AMFor the past five years, the Harbor News/Shore Publishing has hosted our annual Beacon Awards, at which we recognize outstanding volunteers across our shoreline community. With the 15 amazing award winners surrounded by proud friends and family, the ceremony always makes for one of the most personally and professionally rewarding nights of the year.
At the 2017 event, it became even more personal—I announced that I was expecting a baby and was met with great applause. I wasn’t looking to take the spotlight away from our winners, as I explained at the time, but instead that I hoped that some of the greatness assembled in that room would make its way to my growing child.
Now a mom, I mean that more than ever. As I watch our world change and my daughter grow, I wonder what issues her generation will face. Will they still be dealing with climate change? Most likely. Will they still face epidemics with drugs and alcohol? Probably. Will there be a host of challenges that need groups of people like you to step up and create change? Of course. But I believe there will be more resources, more awareness, and more people willing to step in and help because of what all of you are doing now: working to create change for the future.
We are now gearing up for our sixth Beacon Awards and we’re seeking nominations. Besides the actual event, my favorite part is reading about the people you nominate—I’ll never forget my first year of reading the nominations on a bench in Branford, and tearing up as I realized how selfless so many people around us can be.
We have a committee that shares in the responsibility of choosing our top 15, so this is your chance to brag about your nominee—it’s easy to do. Please visit www.beaconawardsct.com and click on “Nominate” at the top of the page to submit your suggestion.
And to all the parents out there, I am really starting to appreciate all you’ve done to raise your kids! In the past, most of our Beacon winners have credited their parents with instilling the importance of community service and helping others. So to you, thank you.
Robyn Collins-Wolcott,
Publisher