Champions for the children

HURON TWP. — For these impressive individuals, going the extra mile for young people never gets old. Each year, the Aiding Children's Excellence Awards ceremony recognizes many locals for their continued kindhearted contributions toward area youth. Often shortened to the "ACE Awards," Erie County children services and its parent organization, Erie County Job and Family Services, put on this annual celebration. For 2025, a reception attended by more than 200 people took place on Wednesday at Sawmill Creek Resort in the Huron area. The gathering highlighted an elite handful for their heroic efforts. It also places a spotlight on their constant generosity and kind gestures geared toward younger people. "It's truly an honor to recognize the members of our community who go above and beyond to advocate for our most vulnerable population," said Ashley Gilbert, the deputy director of social programs for job and family services. She oversees children services operations and coordinates this event. The award presentation, according to Gilbert, "spreads awareness about how wonderful our community is and how so many people come together to make it a better place." Officials sought nominations throughout April, coinciding with Child Abuse Prevention Month. The awards also act as a method for officials to publicly bring attention to child abuse. The ceremony, meanwhile, occurs in May since it's Foster Appreciation Month. Because of this, officials gave a special shout-out to the 22 Erie County-based foster homes and locals who support children. Officials also nominated several of them for an award due to their outstanding contributions. "The event is also a great way for us to honor and recognize our foster parents that are, truly, in the trenches, doing the hard work day in and day out for children," Gilbert said. "The work they do is incredible and is so very valuable. We want them to know just how much they are appreciated and help us in our mission to protect and give children the best life possible." 2025 Aiding Children's Excellence Awards winners For 2025, officials distributed nine awards from a pool of about 70 nominees — a record amount since this event's inception more than a decade ago. Foster Parents of the Year — Larry and Emily Robinson, foster parents of seven years • Nominees: Trusen and Sirka Schreck, Shirley Robinson, Dennis Ranch and Aaron Bacon, Rebecca Pace, David and Marisa Lehman, Ben and Vonda Patrick, The Hartman Group Home, Eric and Tiffanee Beard, Greg and Abby Hall, Renni Funni. Law Enforcement Officer of the Year — Perkins police Detective Tim Alexander • Nominees: Bob Meister, Carissa Cruz, Jake Marsinick, James DeSalle, Hayden Service, Nicole Bogard, Mercedes Reer, Ronta Hill-Morton, Sean Orman Educator of the Year — Sarah Roan, English language arts educator and adviser to yearbook and Interact Club at Edison High School • Nominees: DeMar Moore, Brian Kucbel, Rebecca Romano, Tim Lamb, Sarah Kaya, Michelle Ruff, Bobby James, Tim Obergefell, Mike Leffler, Ted Fox, Amber Thompson, Tim Pudloski, Meagan Howman Business/Group of the Year — Giving Birthdays, nonprofit serving the state • Nominees: Local Union 1216, Riley's Angels, OHgo Social Service Agency/Agency Individual of the Year — Jennifer Kinney, children's operations director with the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities • Nominees: Jessica Sherrard, Cindy O'Farrell, Amy Kazmaier, Tonya Smith, Mario D'Amico, Kerry Desmarias, Sonya Adcock Medical/Behavioral Health Personnel of the Year — Carrie Kennedy, prevention supervisor and licensed social worker with Bayshore Counseling Services • Nominees: Dr. Melissa Fowler, Dr. Stephan Schuldt, Peds On Wheels, Karina Matthews, Kim Dunphy Court Personnel/Attorney of the Year — Paulette Lilly, criminal prosecutor with the Erie County prosecutor's office • Nominees: Kendra Werley, Jessica Paule, Sarah Reynolds, Chris Graham, Betty Burley, Marie Woodruff, Trevor Hayberger, Dawn Root, Nicola McGee Volunteer/Community Member of the Year — Dora Grant, local advocate and supporter of many organizations • Nominees: Sarah Sommers, Ricardo Trevino, Scott Skiles, Cindy Jones, Lisa Lauro An additional award went to a local teen for achievement. There was also one nominee for this award.