Leadership Prince William honors community leaders

Leadership Prince William held their third annual ‘Evening of Excellence’ to honor community leaders in Woodbridge.

“This event is held each year by Leadership Prince William to recognize outstanding members of the community from both inside and outside of the organizations regular membership, as a fundraising initiative, and also to celebrate the end of the Non-Profit’s Fiscal Year,” stated a release.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Shaping the Future’, according to a release. Several awards were given to members in the community that have exhibited a commitment to Prince William County.

One award was the Leadership Prince William Vision Award, which honors an individual “whose innovative, strategic or bold leadership has had a positive impact on a significant portion of our community, region, state, nation or world,” stated a release. This year’s winner was CEO of Youth for Tomorrow Dr. Gary Jones, according to a release.

More on Jones, from a release:

Winner: Dr. Gary Jones, CEO of Youth for Tomorrow – for his many years working in direct support of children in need, his leadership in many community initiatives and his stalwart support of Leadership Prince William and particularly the Leadership Prince William Summer Youth Academy. Dr. Jones is a leader with vision, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to serving those in need.  A former Acting Secretary and Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, he is currently the motivating force behind Youth for Tomorrow’s role as a provider of Residential, Educational, and Counseling services in our community, currently serving over 2,000 children and their families.

Another award was the Kathy Ellington Leadership Award, which “honors a Leadership Prince William alumnus who has used their leadership, skills and talents to accomplish something notable that has positively affected Prince William County, Manassas or Manassas Park,” stated a release. Director of SPARK Sharon Henry won the award, according to a release.

More on Henry, from a release:

Winner: Sharon Henry, Director of SPARK – Who works through the Prince William County Schools to provide opportunities to ALL students through business partnerships, community collaborations, and innovative programs like Virginia Star – thus – Improving the lives of more than 16,300 students, parents and individuals!

There was also the Leadership Prince William Chairman’s Award, which is given to “recognize an individual or organization that has made a tremendous difference during the chairman’s year in office,” stated a release. Harry Horning II of Horning Financial Services received the award, according to a release.

More on Horning, from a release:

Harry Horning II, Harry H. Horning Financial Services (Class of 2015) – Harry is a rising star among local leaders and young professionals. His nomination says, “Harry steps up when he sees a need for someone to take action.” Whether that is a cause serving his fellow veterans, a civic organization or Leadership Prince William, Harry leads the way and rallies others to join the cause.

The final award was the Leadership Prince William Director’s Award “given each year to recognize an individual or organization that has made a tremendous difference during the Leadership Prince William Diector’s year in service,” stated a release. Valerie Meale won the award, according to a release.

More on Meale, from a release:

Winner: Valerie Meale – Valerie is employed by Whitlock Wealth Management, She served on the program committee and assisted Director Kathy Bentz by committing countless hours as a volunteer through the 2015-2016 year!