By: Follow South Jersey Staff
PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. — The 33rd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Spirit Award will be awarded to Sonya G. Harris of Pleasantville.
The award is given in commemoration of Dr. King’s birthday to an outstanding resident who exemplifies his principles through their involvement in the community and their efforts to improve the lives of their fellow citizens, according to a press release from the county.
“Ms. Harris is well known and highly respected throughout our community for her involvement in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations that serve to improve the quality of life of our residents,” Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson who will be presenting the award said in the press release. “She has served as a member, and in most cases also as an officer or chairperson, in the Atlantic City Chapter of the Links, Inc.; the Atlantic City Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Jack and Jill Associates; the National Drifters, Inc. Seaside Chapter; the NAACP Mainland/Pleasantville Branch; and Second Baptist Church Trustee Board. Additionally, she held the position of Clerk to the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners and dedicated 40 years of public service.”
Harris is a lifelong Atlantic County resident. She graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and attended the New York Institute of Technology. During her career she participated in the Atlantic City Tomorrow Leadership Program; the Links, Inc. National Leadership Academy; and Rutgers University’s Center for Government Studies.
Harris was awarded the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Community Service Award in 2019; the “Stand by Me Award” in 2017 from the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.; and the Distinguished Associate’s Award from Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in 2014, among other honors.
“Sonya contributes 100% to whatever she is involved. We’re not exactly sure how she finds the time to honor her many commitments and serve in numerous leadership positions, but we are grateful for it,” Levinson said. “She is an accomplished, yet humble, role model and mentor who is well deserving of this recognition. We congratulate her and thank her for the positive impact she has had.”
Levinson will present the Community Spirit Award to Harris during the January 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting to be held at 4:00 p.m. at 201 S. Shore Road, Northfield.
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