A kind heart for kids

HURON TWP. — These adults truly care about kids. And because they always place the youth's needs above their own, they deserve recognition for their kindheartedness. 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 2026, a reception attended by more than 250 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. "Each individual who was recognized at the event has all contributed to the safety and well-being of our local youth and made an impact that spans far beyond the awards ceremony," said Ashley Gilbert, the deputy director of social programs for job and family services. She oversees children services operations and coordinates this event. "It can be easy for any professional to sometimes work with blinders on, staying in their own silos of advocacy," Gilbert added. "But as you looked around the room (Wednesday) night, it really opens your eyes to how many amazing people go above and beyond in their duties and what a tremendous impact together that all of us can have." 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." This year, the agency received a record 102 nominations for 10 different award categories. "These numbers are a powerful reminder of how much talent, dedication and heart exist within our community," Gilbert said. "It was inspiring to see so many deserving individuals recognized for the impact they make every day, and I am truly honored to be a part of such an impactful evening." A common theme of selflessness persisted throughout the night. "Many have not chosen their career paths because they require recognition but rather believe in quiet dedication that improves the lives of others," Gilbert said. "The awards ceremony was an important reminder to all that their hard work, sacrifice and unwavering care do not go unnoticed." Fostering a love for children 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 17 Erie County-based foster homes and locals who support children in local government custody. Officials also nominated several of them for an award due to their outstanding contributions. "Their work deserves to be celebrated every day for the miraculous things that they do for the children placed in their home," Gilbert said. Gilbert underscored how what they do is "tough, demanding and, at times, exhausting." "But these individuals have answered their calling and have opened their hearts and homes to caring for children in need," Gilbert said. "The evening highlighted the quiet heroism of foster parenting: the late nights, difficult conversations, emotional goodbyes and the constant willingness to provide love and stability when children need it most." 2026 Aiding Children's Excellence Awards winners For 2026, officials distributed 10 awards from a pool of 102 nominees — a record amount since this event's inception more than a decade ago. Foster Parents of the Year — Eric and Tiffanee Beard, who have two foster children • Nominees: Greg and Abby Hall, Judy and Ron Koziura, Renni Funni, Aaron Bacon and Dennis Ranch, Marissa and David Lehman, Richmeier Therapeutic Home/Moffet House staff, the Northwest Ohio Developmental Center Law Enforcement Officer of the Year — Perkins police Officer Stephanie McDermott • Nominees: Cade McClellan, Nicole Bogard, Ronta Hill-Morton, Joe Rotuno, Lisa Lenthe, Greg Hall, Keith Bodi Educator/School Personnel of the Year — Abby Gerber of Sandusky Central Catholic School • Nominees: Aja Haywood, Brandi Carter, Brian Kucbel, Carrin Gordon, Daniel Klohn, Joshua Barringer, Ed Kurt, Erin Smith, Jennifer Gale, Michael Leffler, Rosalyn Shepherd, Sara Bowerman, Sarah Bernard, Stephanie Ferry, Tim Obergefell Business/Group/Nonprofit of the Year — Sandusky Recreation Center for its youth programming, overseen by youth program supervisor Tondra Frisby • Nominees: Campbell Christian Community Center, OHgo, Giving Birthdays, Pizza House East, Boys & Girls Club of Erie County, Loris Printing, Victory Kitchen, The Foster Closet, Erie County Sheriff's Office dispatchers, Blessing Basket Food Pantry Public/Private Social Service Agency of the Year — Chelsi Dees of Road to Hope • Nominees: Adrian Arnold, Carlin Butts, Delisa Nelson, Mary Anne Mitchel, Melissa Bayer Smith, Stephanie Stanley, Felicia Zendejas, Kim Szente, Meghan Erney Medical/Behavioral Health Personnel of the Year — Children's SPOT (speech, physical, occupational therapy) at Firelands Health; Professionals there work with kids with those needs. • Nominees: Andrea Hand, Dr. Melissa Fowler, Carrie Kennedy, Joe Borgelt, Karina Mathews, Kim Dunphey, Peds on Wheels, Robin Adelman, Tesla Brown, Dr. Jeff Rindsberg Court Personnel/Attorney of the year — Jeremy Fox of Erie County Juvenile Court • Nominees: Betty Burley, Heather Roeder, Kate Conley, Lori Gobmeier, Melissa Owens, Trevor Hayberger Volunteer/Community Member of the Year — John McKinnon with CASA of Erie County • Nominees: Amy Kazmaier, Dawn Majestic, Jaycee Mitchell, Jessica Chebra, Kim Lux Coach/Youth Mentor of the Year — Jim Hall, Edison varsity head football coach • Nominees: Mitchell Sweet, Tracy Shoemo, Paulette Sanders, Todd Downing, Michael Baxter Note: The ceremony also gave out a Teen Achievement of the Year award to four boys. Due to confidentiality purposes, their identities along with nominees were not publicly revealed.