HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Atlantic County will honor five residents for their outstanding achievements and community contributions at the 24th annual Donald J. Sykes Awards ceremony noon, Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Mays Landing Golf and Country Club, 1855 Cates Road.

This year's honorees are Joe Brown of Galloway, Gladys Carney of Absecon, Jackie Henkel of Pleasantville, Anthony Lanzilotti of Brigantine, and Kathy Rawa of Egg Harbor City.

Brown was nominated by friends and the South Jersey Field of Dreams nonprofit organization. He has been active in many community organizations, and has served as a board member for the Donny Fund, the Great Atlantic Bluefish Tournament, the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board and the South Jersey Field of Dreams.

Carney was nominated by the executive director of Contact Cape Atlantic, Inc. where she provides reassurance calls to 44 clients who are in need of daily contact due to age or disability. She uses a magnifying machine to help her.

Henkel was nominated by the Arc of Atlantic County, where she inspired the formation of the Arc’s Special Olympics Track and Field Team and won gold in the 25- and 100-meter wheelchair races. She is also very active in the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network and is treasurer of the Wonder Workers Self Advocacy Club.

Lanziolotti was nominated by Atlantic Cape Community College's Office of Disability Support Services. He is enrolled in Atlantic Cape’s Criminal Justice courses and is close to completing the requirements needed to earn his associate's degree. Lanziolotti has overcome many classroom and technology issues with diligence and determination, and plans on continuing his education to obtain a bachelor's degree and work in the field of law.

Rawa was nominated by friends and fellow members of the Southern New Jersey Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. She is president of the local National Federation of the Blind chapter and was instrumental in its creation. She is also actively involved in other community activities such as volunteering at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation.

Each October the county celebrates DisABILITY Awareness Month by presenting awards to individuals in recognition of their approach to life and personal accomplishments, and for enriching the lives of others. Nominations came from families, friends, or area organizations.

The ceremony is presented as a cooperative effort of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board.

The county established the Donald J. Sykes award program in 1989. Sykes was a longtime community advocate and former chairman of the county's Disabled Citizens Advisory Board.

For information about the Donald J. Sykes Awards ceremony, call (609) 645-7700 ext. 4519. For information on services, call the Atlantic County Aging and Disability Resource Connection at (609) 645-5965.