Washington, D.C, District of Columbia Aug 7, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - The Rotary Club of Howard West is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Beacon of Hope Awards, recognizing exceptional servant leaders whose vision, compassion, and commitment have created lasting impact throughout Howard County and beyond.
This year's honorees are:
- Marilyn Nevy Cruz – Former Assistant Governor, Rotary International District 7620 & Civic Leader
- Mädchen Amick – Hollywood Actor, Director, and Philanthropist, Don't MiND Me Foundation
- Hank Greenberg – State Director, AARP Maryland
- Stacy Huston – CEO, SixDegrees.org
- Sonya Smith, Ed.D., J.D., M.Ed., M.A. – Chief Operating Officer, American Dental Education Association
"Each of these remarkable leaders exemplifies the very spirit of Service Above Self," said Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., president of the Rotary Club of Howard West. "Through their compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact, they have become true beacons of hope to countless individuals, families, and communities. We are honored to recognize and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to make our world and this nation better, safer, and fairer places to live."
The honorees will be recognized at the Beacon of Hope Leadership Awards & Annual Fundraiser, taking place Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET in The Kittleman Room (DH 100), Duncan Hall, Howard Community College (10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044).
What to Expect at the Event:
- Food: International cuisines to delight every palate
- Entertainment: Zhenya the Violinist
- Silent Auction: Exclusive items and experiences up for bid
- Attire: Hollywood Glamour on the Chesapeake — dress to impress!
To purchase tables and tickets bit.ly/rchwbeacon26.
For questions about sponsorship or additional event details, contact Howard West Recording Secretary & Event Chair, Ms. Rudy Scott, at howardwestrotary@gmail.com.
About Rotary Club of Howard West
The Rotary Club of Howard West, based in Ellicott City, Maryland, is part of Rotary International — a global network of 45,000 clubs and over 1.2 million members dedicated to community service, peacebuilding, education, disease prevention, clean water, maternal and child health, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Since its founding in 2014 as part of District 7620, Howard West Rotarians have organized impactful local and international service projects with an emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, the interests of women and girls, and community service. Our club meets weekly in a hybrid format on Mondays @ 6:30 pm ET at the Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar, 6741 Columbia Gateway Blvd, Columbia, MD. To learn more about our club or get involved in our mission of “Service Above Self,” please visit www.howardwestrotary.com, or email rawleandrewsjr@gmail.com.
Media Contact
Tracey Harvey, Publicist tracey@tctdesignfirms.com (804) 506-0596 https://www.howardwestrotary.com/
