Event honoring those who help children on April 24

ELYRIA — Blessing House, the county's only children's crisis care center, marks every spring with a celebration to honor those in Lorain County who are Heroes to Children. This marks the fifth year the organization has asked the public to nominate members of the community that have gone above and beyond to be a hero for a child, with the stipulation that nominees must be engaged in activities benefiting Lorain County children. A luncheon to honor nominees is held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, 24 nominees were announced March 9. They will be recognized at a luncheon April 24 at Tom's Country Place in Avon. They include: Alexis Angel, teacher with Save Our Children of Elyria Inc.: She sees her title as more than a job, but a calling, her nomination read. ""She carries the well-being of every student in our organization with her, long after the day ends. Alexis has a rare gift for seeing the untapped potential in every child she encounters, consistently going above and beyond to provide the tools they need to thrive." Angela Camille, building substitute for Palm Elementary School, Lorain Schools: For the past three years, Camille has sought out donations and grants "so that Palm students can attend meaningful field trips — experiences that enrich learning, build memories and expand their world beyond the classroom." Barb and Joe Conley, in-home day care providers: Multiple nominations praised Barb's high-quality child care and attention to detail, including birthday and holiday parties that celebrated the children. "Each child feels seen and heard with her. Mr. Joe is such a wonderful Santa who embodies the spirit and meaning of Christmas so much, he gave me one more year of my almost-10-year-old believing." Laurie Conrad, child advocate (retired) at Blessing House: "She has touched my children's hearts from attending the Blessing House. They get excited seeing her face and her sitting and talking to them personally with every interaction makes a huge impact on them." Martha Deavers, community engagement specialist/child advocate, Child Care Resource Center: Nominated "because she shows up with calm, compassion and unwavering presence when families need it most," taking time to speak with children in scary and stressful times and "gently guiding them though big emotions and tough situations, helping them feel safe, understood and supported." Kathy DiVincenzo, executive director of Honey from the Rock: She founded Cleveland's first foster care closet, which services clients from Lorain County and is connected to Lorain County Children's Services. She makes sure children entering the foster care system do so "with the dignity they deserve." Elyria family of 4-H'ers: The group has provided Christmas to a Blessing House family every year since 2007 and sponsored birthday kits and gift cards throughout the year. Jim Goforth, operator of Urban Farms of Lorain: Nominated for engaging neighborhood youth in gardening, hosting community meals and connecting youths with neighborhood art activities and festivals. "He creates a sense of inclusivity at his garden, welcoming youth to participate and learn, not just about gardening but about being a good neighbor." Denise Henry, family service coordinator, Lorain County Children and Families First Council: "She shows up in moments of crisis, walks alongside families through uncertainty and remains present long after others might step away." Kaitlin Huff, special education paraprofessional/family engagement coordinator, Lorain Schools and a board member of Lorain Littles: Nominated for volunteer work, particularly the nonprofit group she started, 70 Athletics, to provide access to sports and recreational opportunities for young people in Lorain and Lorain County. She is "a genuine inspiration, someone who leads by example, motivates others to be their best and consistently works to uplift and advocate for the children in our community." Colleen Koch, long-term care Medicaid supervisor, Lorain County Jobs and Family Services: Nominated for youth leader work at her church, "she leads with her heart while freely giving so much of her time, energy and love to teenagers in Lorain County." Milagros Marrero, direct services worker, Lorain County Children's Services: "She approaches every interaction with respect, fairness and professionalism," treating others "in a way that preserves their dignity, even in high-stress and complex situations." Kaitlin Pratt, therapist, Ohio Guidestone: "She absolutely loves her job and her clients and is there for them day or night." Kara Samoriski, case manager/mentor, Sevita Health: "She wears her heart on her sleeve but as armor. She will go above and beyond not only for the children in our care but also for the homes she oversees." Molly Schillace, kindergarten teacher, Palm Elementary School, Lorain Schools: "She is deeply committed to meeting every student where they are and giving each child exactly what they need to learn, grow and succeed," the nomination said. "She greets each child with genuine excitement and a warm smile every day, making them feel seen, valued and safe." Cindy Vegh, secretary, Garfield Elementary School, Lorain Schools: Vegh personally funds and runs the "Perfect Attendance Mobile Cart," transforming school culture by delivering treats to students who achieve perfect attendance in a two-week period. She singlehandedly runs the school's food pantry, making sure that food insecurity doesn't stop a child's learning. She "is the definition of a 'quiet hero' who ensures that every child at Garfield Elementary is seen, fed and celebrated." Jessica Whitesel, teacher and mentor, PEP Willow School: "She is always looking for ways to make their lives easier or better by coming up with different programs," whether it's pizza parties or toiletries donations, the nomination read. Shannon Wiggins, special education director, Horizon Science Academy: She tends not only to her students' academic needs but also their social and emotional needs, too, the nomination read, caring for who they are as a person. William R. Wooten, case aide, Lorain County Children's Services: As the agency's first male case aide and the father of seven adopted children, nominees noted his dedication to providing a stable, nurturing home and his ability to bring a calming presence to children with special needs in stressful or frightening situations. "He provides safety, stability, compassion and hope, both at work and at home." Lindsey Wright, teacher, Lorain Schools: Her "heroism" isn't based on one grand gesture, but in countless quiet moments of extra encouragement, advocacy when a child needs support, consistency in uncertain times and "the way she loves and teaches each child as if they were her own." Wright raises money so every child in her class receives matching Christmas pajamas and a special gift. Angelique Yost, retired foster parent: Yost has fostered 80 children who required special care and/or services and adopted eight with special needs. She and her husband also have three children. She is a member of the FADS (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) State Steering Committee and is a state Parent Champion and go-to person for families who need assistance. "Angelique has been referred to as angel by the biological mothers she has worked with." Isaac Young, Lorain County early intervention manager, Neighborhood Alliance: "He is a fierce advocate for the birth-3 field and a voice for families who have children with disabilities and developmental delays." Sheryl Zubal, caseworker, Lorain County Children Services: "Children often experience systems that feel impersonal or inconsistent. Sheryl counters that by being a constant presence, showing children through her actions that they matter, that they are worth fighting for and that someone will not give up on them." Contact Rini Jeffers at rinijeffers@gmail.com.