Linkages to Learning Celebrates 25th Anniversary; Volunteers, Donors and Staff Honored

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 25, 2018

County Executive Isiah Leggett joined Linkages to Learning leadership today to celebrate the initiative’s 25^th anniversary and recognize volunteers, donors and staff.      

 

The Sandy Boynton Memorial Award for Staff Innovation was introduced to memorialize  Sandy Boynton, a former Linkages to Learning supervisor known for her mission-oriented passion, motivation and creativity in reaching and changing the lives of children and families. The award recognizes a Linkages to Learning professional who has exhibited the characteristics and commitment that Sandy demonstrated during her tenure with Linkages to Learning, particularly with regards to the introduction of new service methods or programming. Paul Boynton, husband of the late Sandy Boynton, presented the award to Ana Schmitz, community school coordinator at Summit Hall Elementary School.

 

Leggett and former County Councilmember Michael L. Subin presented the 2018 Linkages to Learning Michael L. Subin Scholarship to Ronaldjohn Devanadera, a senior at Rockville High School whose family participated in the Linkages to Learning program at Maryvale Elementary School. The scholarship fund was established to recognize the advocacy and support Subin provided to establish Linkages to Learning during his tenure as a County Council member in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Devanadera received the $2,000 scholarship for his outstanding academic record and commitment to community service.

 

Fran Brenneman, administrator for Child/Adolescent School & Community-Based Services, announced the establishment of the Linkages to Learning Ike Leggett Award for Advocacy, in recognition of the Leggett’s long-standing commitment to and advocacy for policies and programs that safeguard and bolster children, youth and families. Beginning next year, this award will be presented to individuals or groups that demonstrate advocacy of Linkages to Learning’s mission to support student learning, strong families and healthy communities.

The ceremony honored “Volunteers of the Year” from 16 Linkages to Learning schools and donors Aspen Hill Cooperative Nursery School, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates, Community Insurance Services, Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church and Millian Memorial United Methodist Church.

Linkages to Learning is a community school partnership with an integrated focus on health, social services, community engagement and leadership to support student learning, strong families and healthy communities. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools and a coalition of primary non-profit service providers including Family Services, Inc.; the City of Rockville; EveryMind; and YMCA Youth and Family Services address social, behavioral health and community needs at 29 elementary and middle schools in Montgomery County.

 

For more information about Linkages to Learning, call 240-777-1731.

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Release ID: 18-529
Media Contact: Monica Martin 240-777-1792