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Celebrating Local Heroes: The Paul Harris Community Awards

On May 21, the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek honored five remarkable individuals from Frederick, Maryland, with the prestigious Paul Harris Community Award. This exciting event brought together community members to celebrate those who exemplify outstanding service and leadership through their actions.

A Glimpse into the Heroes' Contributions

This year’s awardees include Tony Peterson, Erin Gambrill, Sara Laird, Howard Cary, and Lynn Cary, each distinguished by their selfless efforts to positively impact the community.

Tony Peterson: A Beacon of Hope

Tony Peterson, a former beneficiary of the Frederick Rescue Mission, turned his struggles with addiction and homelessness into a mission of hope for others. Recognizing the pressing need for hygiene resources among the community's less fortunate, Tony built a flatbed truck equipped with six private shower stalls. This initiative, launched through collaboration with churches and community groups, has provided over 1,000 showers to individuals in need, showcasing the profound difference one person's actions can make in the lives of others.

Erin Gambrill: A Lifelong Learner and Community Connector

With a commitment to fostering education and connection, Erin Gambrill represents the heart of the Frederick County Public Library system. Beyond her role as a librarian, Erin enthusiastically engages the community by organizing events that promote lifelong learning. Her extensive involvement often leads her to volunteer for various initiatives, making her not just a librarian but a vital resource within the community.

Sara Laird: Transforming Tragedy into Change

Sara Laird faced tremendous loss when her husband, Battalion Chief Laird, perished while combating a fire. Rather than succumbing to despair, Sara utilized her grief as fuel for change. She successfully advocated for the passage of legislation in Maryland that bans hazardous first-generation CSST piping, a critical safety measure that aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Her resilience and dedication to preventative safety reflect her strength and commitment to ensuring others do not have to endure the same heartache.

Howard and Lynn Cary: Lifelong Commitment to Service

Howard and Lynn Cary are notable figures within the Frederick community. Active members of the FCF Church, their combined efforts with the Frederick Rescue Mission have empowered countless residents to reinvent their lives. Their hands-on approach to volunteerism emphasizes the mission's motto of 'changing lives now and for eternity,' showcasing how they have dedicated themselves to uplifting those who need it most.

A Celebration of Community Spirit

The Paul Harris Community Awards serve not only as a means to recognize individual achievements but also as a celebration of communal spirit and resilience. This year’s recipients were honored not only for their leadership but also for their ability to inspire others to contribute positively to their surroundings. The recognition reflects a collective acknowledgment of the impact such selfless service can have on a community.

For many, the journey does not end with receiving an award. Instead, it marks a new chapter where their stories encourage others to emulate their actions. As the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek continues to promote goodwill within Frederick and beyond, the legacy of these honorees—and others like them—will undoubtedly endure, lighting the path for future generations seeking to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Rotary Club's commitment to honoring those who demonstrate exemplary leadership through service reinforces the essential belief that change can start from a single action, potentially ripple through the lives of many, creating an everlasting impression in the heart of the community.