Atlantic County Calls for Nominations for Sykes Disability Awards
Source: Press of Alantic City Business. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Atlantic County is once again reaching out to the community to identify and celebrate residents with disabilities who have made a measurable impact. The county is now accepting nominations for the annual Donald J. Sykes Awards, a ceremony that shines a spotlight on individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. The awards are named after the late Donald J. Sykes, who served as chair of the county's Disability Advisory Board.
To be eligible, nominees must live in Atlantic County and have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is no age restriction, meaning both young people and seniors can be nominated. Once submitted, each nomination will be reviewed by members of the county Disability Advisory Board to ensure eligibility.
A reception will be held in October to present the awards. The exact date was not specified in the announcement, but the county has set a deadline for nominations: September 11. Nominations can be submitted online through the county's official website at atlanticcountynj.gov. The form is available under the Department of Human Services, Division of Intergenerational Services, Office of Disability Services.
For those who need additional information, Corey Richey, director of the Division of Intergenerational Services, is the point of contact. He can be reached at richey_corey@aclink.org or by phone at 609-645-7700, extension 4700. TTY users can call the New Jersey Relay at 1-800-852-7899.
The announcement comes on the heels of the 36th annual Donald J. Sykes Awards, which took place on October 21, 2025, at the Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township. That event featured a gallery of honorees, each with a unique story of perseverance and service. County Executive Dennis Levinson delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the origins of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the importance of recognizing the abilities of all residents.
Among the 2025 honorees were Gregory Cappello of Hammonton, a cancer survivor and EMT who once rescued a drowning swimmer. Christ Georges of Atlantic City, owner of Minos Bake Shops, was recognized for his charitable giving. Tierra Houston of Pleasantville, a lead career adviser at the One Stop Career Center, was also honored. Stephen Jones of Galloway Township participates in the Field of Dreams program in Absecon and is a member of the Creative Gardeners group. Michael Polisano Harris of Mays Landing started as a volunteer at The Arc Makes Cents Thrift Shop and was later hired. Andrea Schofield of Mays Landing, a nurse providing home healthcare, psychiatric assessments, and integrative healing techniques, was also among the honorees. Jonathan Teter of Atlantic City completed the list of awardees.
Each honoree was introduced by a family member, friend, or colleague, adding a personal touch to the ceremony. The event underscored the county's commitment to fostering an inclusive community where people with disabilities are not only supported but celebrated for their achievements.
The Donald J. Sykes Awards have become a cornerstone of Atlantic County's efforts to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of residents with disabilities. By inviting nominations from the public, the county ensures that the awards reflect the diversity and resilience of the community. The awards serve as a reminder that disability does not define a person's potential, and that every individual has something valuable to offer.
Those interested in submitting a nomination are encouraged to do so before the September 11 deadline. The online form is straightforward, and the county's Disability Advisory Board will review each submission carefully. For any questions, Corey Richey and his team are ready to assist.
In a world where people with disabilities often face barriers to recognition, the Donald J. Sykes Awards provide a platform for their stories to be heard. The ceremony is not just about giving out plaques; it is about changing perceptions and building a more inclusive society. Atlantic County's call for nominations is an invitation to the entire community to participate in that mission.
Article commentary
Atlantic County's annual Donald J. Sykes Awards represent more than a ceremonial gesture; they are a tangible effort to shift the narrative around disability from one of limitation to one of capability. By setting a broad eligibility criterion that aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the county ensures that a wide spectrum of individuals — from young students to older adults — can be recognized. This inclusivity is crucial because it counters the common tendency to overlook the contributions of people with disabilities unless they achieve something extraordinary by conventional standards. The awards are named after Donald J. Sykes, a former chair of the county's Disability Advisory Board. This naming choice is significant because it grounds the program in local leadership and underscores the importance of sustained advocacy. The fact that the awards have now reached their 37th iteration (the 36th was held in 2025) speaks to the program's longevity and the community's embrace of it. One notable aspect is the nomination process itself. By opening the call to the public, the county empowers friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors to play an active role in recognition. This grassroots approach can uncover stories that might otherwise remain hidden. The deadline of September 11 gives ample time for thoughtful submissions, and the online portal makes the process accessible. Looking at the 2025 honorees, the diversity of achievements is striking. The group includes an EMT, a small business owner, a career adviser, a thrift shop employee, a nurse, and a participant in recreational programs. This range demonstrates that the awards do not privilege one type of accomplishment over another. Whether someone saves a life, runs a business, or simply shows up to work every day with a positive attitude, their contribution is valued equally. However, programs like this also invite deeper reflection. While individual recognition is important, systemic barriers remain. Many people with disabilities still face unemployment rates that are double those of the general population, and access to healthcare, transportation, and education continues to be uneven. The Sykes Awards highlight success stories, but they should not be mistaken for evidence that the job is done. Rather, they serve as a reminder of what is possible when society invests in inclusion. From a journalistic perspective, the coverage of these awards — including the photo gallery and detailed captions from the Press of Atlantic City — helps amplify the message. Media attention can inspire other communities to launch similar programs. It also provides a historical record of the individuals who have been honored, which can be a source of pride for families and a resource for advocates. In conclusion, the Donald J. Sykes Awards are a commendable initiative that balances celebration with advocacy. They provide a platform for residents with disabilities to share their stories, and they invite the public to participate in the process of recognition. While no single awards program can solve the challenges faced by the disability community, the Sykes Awards represent a meaningful step in the right direction — one that acknowledges ability, not disability, as the defining characteristic of the honorees.