Capital Region Awards

 

Kirk Hallett was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Volunteer Center in 2006 for his tireless efforts on behalf of the "throwaway" youth of Harrisburg's impoverished, crime ridden neighborhood known as Allison Hill.  As founder of the Joshua Group, Kirk has dedicated his life to working with at-risk teens.

It takes remarkable strength to take on these young people, who in their struggle to survive on the streets have become toughened and jaded.  Kirk works with them day in and day out as they attempt to shed the negative trappings of their formative years and become independent, positive adults.

For the many young people he works with, Kirk is their only source of encouragement.  He is the first adult who has told them that their lives have meaning, and the first adult who has encouraged them to make the move from blaming their circumstances of their birth/upbringing to determining their own destiny -- something better than dropping out of school, living on the streets, and meeting a violent death at an early age.

Kirk does not seek attention for himself or praise for his remarkable accomplishments.  Rather, he is committed to helping kids most in need, and he remains faithful to that plan.
 

Lisa Waller w/ Tom Wonsiewicz and Mayor Reed

Lisa Waller was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Harrisburg School District on February 12, 2005, as a result of the many challenges she has faced over the years with courage, persistence, integrity, and optimism.

Lisa was one of four children in a single-parent household, and as the only girl, she often assumed the role of caretaker of her siblings, sometimes completely on her own for extended periods of time.  In spite of her responsibilities at home, Lisa remained a good student; however, in her senior year of high school, Lisa became pregnant and had a son.  With the help of her guidance counselor and other staff members, Lisa completed high school and went on to Penn State University, determined to earn a college education.  She majored in education and became a certified social studies teacher working in the Harrisburg School District.  During this time, Lisa earned her Master's Degree from Temple University and eventually was promoted to a position with the High School.  While there, Lisa spearheaded efforts to organize and document the curriculum, she worked closely with ninth graders who were identified as potential drop-outs, and she also found time to earn her Principal's Certificate from Temple University.

When Mayor Reed succeeded in securing funding for the new Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Lisa became intricately involved in the planning efforts.  Once again, her hard work, enthusiasm for learning, and willingness to take risks earned her promotion to Director of SciTech High.  Through her leadership style of collaboration and modeling, Lisa brings a sense of family and unity to the school.  When asked to comment about the school's success, she is quick to say, "This is not about me.  It is about everyone here working together for the kids of Harrisburg."

In addition to her work in education, Lisa is a Sunday School Superintendent and a volunteer in the Young Black Achievers' Program and the Storks' Nest Program for young mothers at the YMCA.  She also serves on the board of the United Methodist Church Neighborhood Center.  Her legacy will truly be her courage to move forward alone when she had to, and to persevere until she attained her goals while loving and caring for others along the way.
 




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