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> Awards Recognize Champions for Youth at Woodland Hills

October 7, 2008


"We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~ Albert Schweitzer

Woodland Hills is grateful to those that help children discover their potential. Exceptional efforts by individuals and organizations are recognized with the Beringer Guiding Light award and this year’s recipients were recently recognized acknowledged. 2008 Beringer Award Winners

  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Volunteer Spirit– Beverly Merritt
  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Service by an Individual -- Officer Barry Midthun, Duluth Police Department Community Police Officer
  • Beringer Guiding Light award for Exceptional Service by an Organization – Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault, with special recognition of Kate Taylor, PAVSA Licensed Professional Counselor

The Beringer award first honored Sr. Mary Martin Beringer, who worked at Woodland Hills between 1962 and 1975 in numerous capacities. She continues to provide inspiration, encouragement and dedication to youth, staff and volunteers. She was the first recipient in 2002. Other previous award winners include: Gwin “Dick” Whitney (2003), Dave Halstead (2004), Wendy Robertson (2005), Claudia Scott Welty (2005), Mary Steiner (2006), Mike Schmidt (2006), the Ordean Foundation (2006) and Dr. Larry Brendtro (2006), Melissa Swor Dougherty (2007), Hennepin County Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction Unit (2007), Ken Stafford (2007) and the Duluth Rotary Clubs (2007). All continue to volunteer, advise and advocate on behalf of the children participating in Woodland Hills’ programs.

Woodland Hills is a private non-profit organization that operates five programs that provide delinquency prevention, intervention, treatment and transitional services for youth. Nearly 1,100 youth and their families from throughout Minnesota and surrounding states participate in Woodland Hills programs each year. In 2009, Woodland Hills will celebrate its 100th anniversary of caring for children.