Champion for Children Award
Who is a Champion for Children?
Recognized each April in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, a Champion for Children is someone in the community who works tirelessly throughout the year to support and protect Midland County children. Child abuse prevention isn’t just about keeping kids safe from harm, but working to ensure each child has equal opportunity to grow and reach their full potential.
Champion for Children Award Recipients
2025 Stephanie Helm, Licensed Foster Parent
2024 Matthew McPherson, Midland County Foster Care
2023 Emily Richards, Midland County Child Protective Services
2022 Detective Lucus Huss, Midland Police Department
Nominations
Nominees must live in, work in, or service Midland County, MI.
Award recipients are honored at Midland Child Advocacy Center’s Pinwheel Kickoff Ceremony each April.
Nominations are reviewed and selected by members of our Child Abuse Prevention Committee.
Nominations are accepted through February 16th, 2026.
COMPLETE NOMINATION FORM HERE
Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients
Awarded to an individual who had made significant contributions in our community to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
2011 Donna Jacobs
2010 Jennifer Page
2009 Rachel Cassady
2008 Earl Soules
2007 Greg Bergtold
2006 Renee Young
2005 Gregg Dorrien
2004 Mary A. Hess
2003 Vickie Rutledge
2002 Ruth Jones
2001 Paul Baker
2000 Gail Crosby
1999 Jo Ann Winchester
1998 Lynn Mischley
1997 Larry Trompeter
1996 Gregg Dorrien
1995 Donna J. Morris
1994 Cindy Rutledge
1993 David Bosscher
1992 Bonnie Gold
1991 Geoffrey Enlund
1990 Sally Peterson
1989 Suzanne Kaba
1988 Sally Ayres
1987 Dr. Dennis Wagner