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> Awards Recognize Champions for Youth at Woodland Hills

August 22, 2007


“We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
~ Albert Schweitzer

Woodland Hills is grateful those that help children discover their potential. Exceptional efforts by individuals and organizations are recognized with the Beringer Guiding Light award and this year’s recipients are:

  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Volunteerism– Melissa Swor, alum and board member of Woodland Hills and owner of National Title Co., Inc.
  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Partnership – Hennepin County Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction Unit, with special recognition of Donna Gillitzer, Roy Artis and Rick Lindberg
  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Service by an Individual – Ken Stafford, Facilities Support Specialist of Woodland Hills
  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Service by an Organization –Duluth Rotary Clubs, including the Downtown, Harbortown and Skyline Rotary Clubs

The award winners will be recognized at Woodland Hills on Sept. 7.

The Beringer award first honored Sr. Mary Martin Beringer, who worked at Woodland Hills between 1962 and 1975 in numerous capacities. She never really left and today continues to provide inspiration, encouragement and dedication to youth, staff and volunteers. She was the first recipient in 2002. Other award winners include: Gwin “Dick” Whitney (2003), Dave Halstead (2004), Wendy Robertson (2005), Claudia Scott Welty (2005), Mary Steiner (2006), Mike Schmidt (2006), the Ordean Foundation (2006) and Dr. Larry Brendtro (2006). All continue to volunteer, advise and advocate on behalf of the children participating in Woodland Hills’ programs.

Woodland Hills is a private non-profit organization that operates five programs that provide delinquency prevention, intervention, treatment and transitional services for youth. Nearly 1,100 youth and their families from throughout Minnesota and surrounding states participate in Woodland Hills programs each year. In 2009, Woodland Hills will celebrate its 100th anniversary of caring for children.