Roshaye Dickey-Johnson was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Harrisburg School District on February 3, 2007, at Mayor Reed's Black History Month Gala.

Roshaye is an outstanding fifth grade teacher at Foose School who has persisted in reaching her goals in spite of a debilitating and painful physical illness.  Born and raised in Harrisburg, reaching her goal of becoming a teacher was a long and difficult journey.  She did not decide to go to college until she was twenty-eight years old, and at the time, she was a single parent, so she moved back home with her mother in order to afford the expense and to find the time.

While taking classes at Harrisburg Area Community College, the pain from an existing birth defect became severe, as she had been born with one leg shorter than the other, which resulted in difficulty walking.  In addition, she did not have full mobility in her right hand, so while at HACC, she underwent several surgeries, which she says turned her into a "bionic woman".  Doctors had to insert a pole, a plate, and screws into her legs to make them even.  Throughout this ordeal, faculty and students at HACC were so impressed with Roshaye's physical and mental stamina and dedication to her studies that they selected her to be the graduation speaker.  Her message was simple and clear:  "Anyone can do anything.  Do not give up and be discouraged.  Have a goal, plan it out, and do it!"

Roshaye's personal spirit and achievement are in inspiration to all.  She is a positive role model in the schools and the community, as she demonstrates the courage to take risks, the willingness to help and lead others, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of her students.

Jim Bender was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the United Way of Lancaster County on January 24, 2007.

Jim works for the Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse and leads the Life Skills/Youth Alcohol Education and Intervention Program.  Jim's story, however, is one of a life devastated by drug abuse.

By the age of 19, he had been arrested three times and sold his car for drug money.  While he went into treatment, he found himself actively in addiction again, and in the late 1980s, he "crashed and burned", and he wound up homeless and unemployed in Lancaster.  It was faith in a Higher Power that brought Jim to Lancaster, and he recognized that he needed to change the people and places in his life if he was going to return to active recovery.  Today, Jim spends much of his time as a group facilitator, helping abusers and addicts identify their own level of problems.  His effectiveness stems from his willingness to share his own story and to demonstrate  to teenagers where their own behavior might take them if they continue down the same path.

About five years ago, Jim faced yet another challenge when he was diagnosed with Hepatitis-C.  Many years into recovery, he found himself faced with yet another remnant of his drugging and drinking years, a chronic potentially life-threatening illness, and according to Jim, this challenge was at times more difficult than kicking his drug and alcohol habits.  Jim has completed his course of treatment, and currently, the Hepatitis-C is undetectable in his system.

Reverend Gregory Folk was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by Crispus Attucks Community Center at their Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 15, 2007.

Reverend Folk's life has taken many twists and turns to where he is today as an ordained deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The youngest of six children, Reverend Folk started life in a log home on Howard Avenue in the City of Lancaster.  He never really knew his father, and at the age of 8, he was sent to live in a foster home because of troubled behavior.  Intermittent brushes with the law and drugs continued to sidetrack Reverend Folk's life, and 16 years ago, he "hit bottom", as he calls it, and ended up at Water Street Rescue Mission.

But Reverend Folk was blessed with people in his life who advised him and encouraged him not to quit.  He met his wife, Jeanette, while working at St. Joseph Hospital, and he subsequently got a job at Conestoga View where he worked in the transport division.  He felt blessed to have a job where he was paid to do something that he loved, and during this time, he and his wife took in three young children, first as foster parents, then as adoptive parents.

However, in 2004, yet another challenge presented itself.  Reverend Folk was hit with a brain stem stroke, which resulted in his right side being paralyzed and weakness on his left side.  With the support of his wife, friends, and therapy, Reverend Folk has made an amazing recovery, and he continues to give back to the community that has supported him in so many ways over the years.

Noemi Garcia and Kenneth Marzinko were recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the School District of Lancaster on August 29, 2005.

Noemi Garcia has faced many challenges and tribulations during her lifetime.  She has suffered with hip displesia, homelessness, assault, the death of her first husband, drug addiction with her second husband, and the stress that accompanies being a single mother of four children.

Noemi's love and compassion for others is endless and she always gives more of herself than she gets in return.  She is an inspiration to many people facing traumas in life because she has faced many in her own life, and yet continues to persevere.  Noemi has a strong will, abounding love in her heart, and a spirit in her soul that are unique.

Noemi currently works as a secretary with the School District of Lancaster and she works part-time at a tax office.  She is raising two daughters who are still in school, and she is going to school part-time herself in an effort to complete her business degree.

Kenneth Marzinko started the Homeless Project at the School District twelve years ago, which now serves just under 1,000 students per year from eight shelters in Lancaster City and County.  The Project guides families to services that help students find suitable living conditions while going to school.  Ken spends many hours responding to the needs of homeless students and their families, often sacrificing personal time and resources as a result of his efforts.  The Homeless Project is considered the frontrunner of programs of this type in Pennsylvania.

Ken also serves as the District's Student Assistance Program Coordinator, where he coordinates all services for the middle schools, high schools, and alternative school.  Ken has been a true asset to both the Student Homeless Project and the Student Assistance Program at the School District of Lancaster.