Kareem’s Mission Annual Autism Awareness Luncheon & Changemaker Awards Ceremony
Kareem’s Mission Annual Autism Awareness Luncheon & Changemaker Awards Ceremony
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Central Penn College – ATEC Conference Room
Master of Ceremonies: Tom Russell, Chief Meteorologist, CBS 21 News
Why This Afternoon Matters
This gathering is about recognizing leaders whose service has created real, measurable change, particularly for autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and the families who walk beside them every day. It is also an opportunity to come together around Kareem’s Mission, to learn, to celebrate, and to help us continue building safe, inclusive, and responsive support systems for our community.
The afternoon will include a children’s art exhibit featuring the work of individuals on the autism spectrum from across the state.
We are honored that elected officials and community leaders will be in attendance, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, inclusive services, and community‑based solutions.
Honoring Our 2026 Award Recipients
After an open nomination and community voting process that received over 70 votes, the following individuals and leaders will be honored for their impact and service:
The S.K.I. Award
Service • Kindness • Inclusion — leadership defined by lasting impact
Presented to Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski
Presented by Senator Patty Kim
Service • Kindness • Inclusion — leadership defined by lasting impact
Presented to Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski
Presented by Senator Patty Kim
The S.K.I. Award
Presented to Joyce M. Davis & Rev. Russell W. Goodman
Presented by Representative Dave Madsen
Presented to Joyce M. Davis & Rev. Russell W. Goodman
Presented by Representative Dave Madsen
The A.B.L.E. Award
Advocacy • Bravery • Leadership • Empowerment — championing abilities, not limitations
Presented to Romeo Azondekon
Presented by Representative Nate Davidson
Advocacy • Bravery • Leadership • Empowerment — championing abilities, not limitations
Presented to Romeo Azondekon
Presented by Representative Nate Davidson
The L.I.G.H.T. Award
Leadership • Impact • Growth • Hope • Transformation
Presented to Una Martone
Presented by Commissioner Justin Douglas
Leadership • Impact • Growth • Hope • Transformation
Presented to Una Martone
Presented by Commissioner Justin Douglas
The U.N.I.T.Y. Award
Understanding • Nurturing • Inclusion • Togetherness • Youth — because we are better together
Presented to Paul & Maria Thompson
Presented by Commissioner Fred Faylona
Understanding • Nurturing • Inclusion • Togetherness • Youth — because we are better together
Presented to Paul & Maria Thompson
Presented by Commissioner Fred Faylona
The H.O.P.E. Award
Hold On • Pain Ends — in memory of Justin, a reminder to hold on, because pain ends
Presented to Laurie & Robert Combs
Presented by Senator Greg Rothman
Hold On • Pain Ends — in memory of Justin, a reminder to hold on, because pain ends
Presented to Laurie & Robert Combs
Presented by Senator Greg Rothman
Special Certificates & Distinguished Honors
In addition to the above awards, Kareem’s Mission’s Board of Trustees and Leadership Team will present several Certificates of Recognition to leaders, volunteers, and a parent whose dedication helped drive the impact of our programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Highest Honor
Legacy of Giving Award Certificate
Presented to Ellen C. Brown, along with the establishment of the Ellen Brown Legacy Fund for Open Access, presented by Commissioner George Hartwick
Legacy of Giving Award Certificate
Presented to Ellen C. Brown, along with the establishment of the Ellen Brown Legacy Fund for Open Access, presented by Commissioner George Hartwick
Second-Highest Honor
The BridgeBuilder in Education Honor (Non‑Annual)
Presented to Dr. Linda Fedrizzi‑Williams, recognizing leadership that fundamentally bridges education, equity, and community.
Presented to Dr. Linda Fedrizzi‑Williams, recognizing leadership that fundamentally bridges education, equity, and community.
Presented by Commissioner Jean Foschi
Additional Certificate Honorees:
- Tracy M. Verano‑Garrison — Generosity in Action Presented by
- Kevin Springman — Harmony and Healing, presented by Councilman Ralph Rodriguez
- Floyd Stokes — Literacy and Learning Champion
- Deanna Heath — Creative Hearts & Family Support
- Logan Kilbert — Heart of the Mission Joseph Robinson, Jr.
- Kyle Brent — Rising Leader and Service Excellence Presented by Merrick Green
Kareem’s Mission is proud to announce that Representative Sheryl M. Delozier will be honored during our Annual Autism Awareness Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on April 11, 2026, where we will recognize her advocacy, service, and support for individuals with autism, people with different abilities, and survivors of domestic violence.
Images
Additional Info
Media Contact : Hagir Elsheikh
Related Links : https://kareemsmission.org/upcoming-events
Source : https://kareemsmission.org/
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