![\"Elizabeth](\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/49521027237_a592d50906_z.jpg\")
<\/a>On behalf of the Albion Community Leadership Council and Substance Abuse Prevention Services, Dr. Harry Bonner bestowed the inaugural Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Servant Leadership Award to Elizabeth Carey on the morning of February 7, 2020 on the campus of Albion College. In attendance were dozens of community leaders from Albion and Marshall, as well as the Starr Commonwealth board of trustees.<\/p>\n
Carey received this award in honor of her transformational leadership of Starr Commonwealth, using her \u201cheart, head, hands, and habits to serve and help others.\u201d The award\u2019s namesake, Dr. Sheryl Mitchell, former city manager of Albion, was also honored thanks to her vision for the community during her service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a vision and dream come true, to be able to put in a room these leaders\u2014who are all servant leaders,\u201d remarked Bonner. \u201cTo have Elizabeth and Dr. Mitchell come together as the first two honorees is a perfect way to begin this award.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is tremendously moving,\u201d said Mitchell. \u201cAs I reflect on the honor, it\u2019s about transforming the lives of children and community. That\u2019s the epitome of the legacy of Dr. Bonner, yet there\u2019s so much work left to be done. That\u2019s what Elizabeth is now accomplishing at Starr. I couldn\u2019t be more thrilled.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m honored to be recognized, most importantly because of the people in this room,\u201d explained Carey. \u201cWhile I don\u2019t live in Albion, these are my people. In that sense, it\u2019s humbling because it means the mission and vision of Starr Commonwealth resonates and is carried by the community. As I looked out, servant leaders from government, schools, and local business were all in attendance. Dr. Bonner has brought us all together to continue the work of providing positive experiences for children to flourish, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do. This award is about all of us, and today I\u2019m as proud for Starr and for Albion as ever.\u201d<\/p>\n