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About the Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Awards
Established in 2008 by Sherwood H. Smith Jr., the Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Awards recognize two individuals each year for their exemplary work in improving the lives of children in Northeast Florida. One award is bestowed for service and one for advocacy. Each winner receives a framed award certificate and a check for $1,000 to do with as they wish. The awards are named for the late Sherwood H. Smith Sr., a community trustee and an advocate for the common good. Smith Sr. embodied a spirit of service. As one of the foremost leaders of our predecessor, the Jacksonville Community Chest, Smith Sr.’s legacy of leadership and continue to be integral to United Way’s success in changing lives in our community.
Service: An individual who has demonstrated exemplary service in working directly with children and youth.
Advocacy: A community advocate whose efforts have resulted in positive change in policies or conditions that impact the well-being of children and youth in Northeast Florida.
Nomination forms are available to United Way certified agencies and to our partners working to improve the lives of young people in our community. A selection committee will review the nominations and select a deserving recipient in each category.
2018 • Jacqueline Brown, Communities In Schools
2017 • Judy Hicks, Daniel Memorial Volunteer
2016 • Joseph Simmons III, Boy Scouts Volunteer
2015 • Vickie Robinson, ReadingPal Volunteer
2014 • Juanita Forman, Girls Inc. of Jacksonville
2013 • Ernest Wade, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida
2012 • Amy Buggle, DLC Nurse & Learn
2011 • D. Parker, Children’s Home Society
2010 • Gene Dillard, Boys Scouts of America, North Florida Council
2009 • Leon Baxton, Communities in Schools
2018 • Amanda Crawford, VyStar
2017 • Rebecca Aleman, Catholic Charities Jacksonville
2016 • Susan Mankowski, Jacksonville Public Library
2015 • Renata Hannans, Communities in Schools
2014 • Susan Golden, YMCA Tiger Academy
2013 • Chris Lester, Community Volunteer
2012 • Susan Greene, Success by 6 Volunteer
2011 • Vicki Burke, PACE Center for Girls
2010 • Susan Main, The Early Learning Coalition
2009 • Nancy Dreicer, Department of Children and Families