And the winners are ...

Four exemplary advocates will be honored at the
2005 Children's Alliance Awards April 12 in Concord

March 14, 2005

The Children’s Alliance of New Hampshire, with support from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, today announced the recipients of its inaugural Children’s Alliance Awards.

The awards honor four exemplary child advocates from across the state who raise their voices to ensure healthier kids, a stronger economy, and a brighter future for New Hampshire.

The recipients will receive their awards from Dr. Susan Lynch at a celebration on April 12, 2005 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

This year’s award winners:

• Atty. Jack Lightfoot of Child and Family Services, a resident of Goffstown, will receive the Strong Families award. For more than 30 years, Attorney Lightfoot has advocated tirelessly for New Hampshire’s most vulnerable children -- those who have been abused and neglected. He has also worked to bring together child care providers, parents, advocates and legislators to support quality early care and education.
• Dr. Wendy Gladstone of Exeter Pediatrics Associates will receive the Healthy Children award. Dr. Gladstone has been a vital voice in raising awareness about child abuse detection, prevention and treatment. She also spearheaded efforts to develop SeaCare Health Services, a non-profit dedicated to improving access to medical care for low income families.
• Karen Turner of Newmarket will receive the Educational Opportunities award. Ms. Turner raises her voice for equal opportunity for children with disabilities. Her advocacy began with work on behalf of autistic children in schools and has expanded to address inclusion of all children in community and education settings.
• Silas Paul Archambault of Seacoast Outright, a resident of Newmarket, will receive the Youth Advocate award. As a high school junior, Mr. Archambault became involved with Seacoast Outright, a support and advocacy organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. He has become an advocate and peer facilitator for Seacoast Outright, working to increase tolerance and understanding for the youth he works with.

"The Children’s Alliance is honored to recognize these extraordinary advocates raising a powerful voice for children," said Ellen Shemitz, President of the Children’s Alliance of NH. "All four award winners have proven that the efforts of one individual can create opportunities for all of New Hampshire’s children."

Nominations were reviewed and winners chosen by a selection committee that comprised 19 community and business leaders committed to the health and well-being of New Hampshire’s children.

The Children's Alliance Awards celebration will be held April 12 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. The evening will include a dinner reception and an awards program hosted by WMUR-TV reporter Kevin Flynn, with awards presented by Dr. Lynch.

Public announcements about the award winners, produced in collaboration with WMUR-TV and underwritten by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, will premiere during the awards presentation. These public announcements will be featured on WMUR-TV for the remainder of 2005.

For more information or to attend the event, one may use this printable PDF version of the RSVP card or call 225-2264 or write info@childrennh.org.  We look forward to seeing you there!