EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Seven outstanding individuals were recognized Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the 36th annual Donald J. Sykes Award program held at Harbor Pines Golf Club.
The event is organized by the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Atlantic County Disability Advisory Board to celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month and honor individuals who have excelled despite having to overcome physical obstacles.
All the recipients were present to receive their awards during a luncheon ceremony attended by Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Commissioners Maureen Kern, John Risley and June Byrnes, family members and friends.
The honorees were introduced by members of the community who nominated them for the award, which honors Donnie Sykes, whose “offbeat” sense of humor and desire to lead an active productive life despite intense pain from a rare auto-immune disease, propelled him to be an advocate for other people with disabilities.
Levinson said people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the nation but is the least recognized. It took years for the Americans With Disabilities Act to become the law that protects disabled people from discrimination. He spoke about how, in March 1990, 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, who had cerebral palsy since she was 2, won the hearts of legislators considering passing the law. Unable to walk, Jennifer left her wheelchair behind and climbed 78 marble steps of the Capitol building on her hands and knees, declaring, “I’ll take all night if I have to!” Her courage and determination made what became known as the “Capital Crawl” a symbol of the barriers faced every day by people with disabilities due to inaccessible architecture.
Those barriers have been lifted for many, and Tuesday’s luncheon was more about the recipients’ abilities to overcome obstacles than it was about their disabilities. The recipients have attained great personal achievements and made outstanding contributions to the community. They were recognized not only for their good works, but also for their positive outlook on life.
Those who nominated the recipients were on hand to speak about each of them.
Gregory Cappello
Nominated by Marianne Cappello, Stephen Cappello, and Dr. David Jacobs
Diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and left with permanent vocal damage, Cappello faced life-altering challenges that forced him to step down from his role as superintendent. After a near fatal treatment reaction, he was inspired by the EMTs who saved his life to become one himself. He earned his certification and has helped save lives, including a drowning victim. He is also an Atlantic County assistant prosecutor. His journey reflects his resilience, purpose and deep dedication to helping others.
Christ Georges
Nominated by Atlantic City Councilman Jesse Kurtz
Georges is the successful owner of Minos Bake Shops and has employed many residents during his long career. He lives with a physical impairment that requires the use of a wheelchair, but it does not deter him. He is a busy entrepreneur, an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, donates his time and talents to the community and contributes through his charitable works.
Michael Polisano Harris
Nominated by Pat Jones
Harris resides in one of The Arc of Atlantic County’s supervised apartments where he lives independently. He is widely admired by his peers and the staff. After enjoying volunteering at The Arc Makes Cents Thrift Shop, Harris was hired for a position at The Arc Makes Cents Too Thrift Shop where he has become a favorite among the customers and volunteers. He is also an accomplished athlete who has competed in the Special Olympics of New Jersey as well as other competitions where he has won multiple medals, including gold. Harris has overcome challenges with dignity and strength, embraced opportunities, and continues to serve as an inspiration to others.
Tierra Houston
Nominated by Francis Kuhn
Although she is still a rookie in her position as the lead career advisor for the One Stop Career Center, she has used her life experiences in her first year as advisor to help more than 50 customers who presented with disabilities and other challenges. Houston has shown both the customers and her colleagues the importance of staying focused on the task at hand while maintaining professionalism, respect and dignity.
Stephen Jones
Nominated by John Glassey
In more than two years as a player at the South Jersey Field of Dreams, Jones has become one of the most recognizable leaders with his booming voice and engaging style. He has grown into a “power player” on a team with several players with limited mobility and abilities. Jones has now ventured into the world of work. As a member of the Creative Gardeners, he helps spruce up public spaces on a regular basis. He also helps to maintain the Field of Dreams playground, the miniature golf course and dining pavilion. He is one the “stars” of the program.
Andrea Schofield
Nominated by Dr. Pamela Cooper
Schofield is a “Good Nurse” who is dedicated to cultivating a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued, understood and empowered to reclaim independence, mental and physical wellness. She provides home healthcare, including psychiatric assessment, integrative healing techniques, medication management and therapeutic counseling. Schofield successfully balances multiple patients, stressful care settings and competing priorities with compassion and integrity.
Jonathan Teter
Nominated by Brianna Jones
Teter lives by the anthem, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” from Disney’s beloved “Cinderella.” With the support of his family and staff at The Arc of Atlantic County, he was determined to achieve his dreams. Teter forged a path to higher learning and enrolled in Atlantic Cape Community College where he began hosting his own radio show, “The Disney Dining Hour,” a mix of Disney soundtracks and classic oldies. In 2022, he was accepted into the Disney College Program and for six months he lived and worked at Disney. He graduated from Atlantic Cape in 2024 with a degree in Communication. He now lives independently and works at Wawa in Ventnor, where his story continues to inspire others.
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