For more information, contact: Nicole Groody (860) 868-7377 NEWS RELEASE   Glenholme Celebrates "Rell's Reward" with Lieutenant Governor on Heritage Day

WASHINGTON, CT (June 10, 2004) – There are a number of individuals who strive to make a difference in the lives of others each and every day. On Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m., Lieutenant Governor Jodi Rell presented the "Rell's Reward" to students of Devereux Glenholme, who actively make up the school's Community Service Program and also recognized two instrumental volunteers amongst Washington's community. Glenholme students were nominated for the Rell's Reward Program in March and were given the award during Glenholme's Heritage Day. Lieutenant Governor Jodi Rell states that she established The Rell's Reward Program to "recognize young people both individual youths and groups, who have volunteered their time by lending a hand to their neighbors and have made a positive difference in the lives of others." The Van Sinderen Family generously donated 105 acres of property to the Devereux Foundation in 1968. In this spirit of service and selflessness, The Devereux Glenholme School commemorates Heritage Day. The enduring values of caring, respect for others, and civic responsibility remains an integral part of Glenholme's daily learning and living and is the focus in the school's Heritage Day celebration.

In recognizing outstanding achievements in community service, Mr. John Millington, a leading citizen of Washington, CT, was presented with the Harry Van Sinderen Caring Citizen Award. This award, presented by Devereux Glenholme, recognizes individuals who have given generously of themselves in meaningful, lifelong ways to the community. Mr. John Millington has made an unwavering impression in Washington's community. Millington explains his "appreciation for being part of Washington, a town full of spirit and volunteerism." As Chairman of Steep Rock Land Trust, a Director of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, a Trustee of the Washington Housing Trust, a Board Member of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and the former Director of the Council on Environmental Quality, Millington reinforces his involvement as his "responsibility to give back to the town in order to ensure Washington improves and stays as beautiful as it is."

First Selectman of Washington, Richard Sears, and the coordinator of Glenholme's Community Service Program, Nicole Groody, awarded the student Harry Van Sinderen Caring Citizen Award to Jonathan Stomber. At the age of 12, Jonathan has demonstrated remarkable commitment to community service and serves as role model to his peers.

The "Rell's Reward" and the Harry Van Sinderen Caring Citizen Awards demonstrate how community service is a lifelong endeavor. Both illustrate how students can continue to carry good works outside the confines of Devereux Glenholme's community.