Nominations for the Annette P. Schmitt Award - Now Accepted

LACONIA: Nomination packets are now available for the Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award, presented by Granite United Way. This award honors an individual who has shown a long-standing commitment to children and families in Belknap County through behind-the-scenes activities without any expectation of recognition. Eligible candidates include those who volunteer on behalf of children and families or non-volunteer individuals who provide exceptional service to children and families beyond the scope of their employment.

The 2014 recipient will be announced by Bud Martin, retired Family Court and Special Justice in late spring. The winner will receive an individual award and his or her name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the local United Way office. Additionally, a monetary award will be made to a favored charity of the winner.

"This award is designed to acknowledge the efforts of Belknap County residents who go the extra mile in bringing positive changes to the lives of children and families," says Martin. "The Schmitt UnSung Hero Award honors New Hampshire resident, the late Annette P. Schmitt, who left a generous bequest to support programs and projects that improve the lives of children and families in Belknap County and the State." Over the past several years this fund has been the primary resource for sustaining a number of comprehensive systemic changes in Belknap County and Carroll Counties.

Last year’s winner of the Schmitt Unsung Hero Award was Clare Persson of Laconia who was recognized for a multitude of engagement efforts that improve the lives of children and families including her leadership on such initiatives as the Laconia Middle and High School PTOs, Lakes Region Better Together, Stand Up Laconia, a city-wide substance abuse prevention initiative, and several other organizations over the years. "Clare represents the type of individual who is an ideal candidate for consideration of this award," said Kathy Calvin, Chair of the selection committee who will review all nominations for this year’s award. "We know there are so many deserving individuals throughout Belknap County who we hope will be nominated by their family, friends or co-workers this year," stated Calvin.

The nomination packet is available below or by calling Kathy Calvin at 527-9182. Completed Nomination Forms are due by 4:30 PM on Friday, March 28, 2014.