Mahwah resident Carolyn Blake has been nominated for the prestigious New Jersey Governor's Jefferson Award, Mayor Bill Laforet announced this week. The Jefferson Awards were founded in 1972 by Sam Beard, Jacqueline Kennedy and Senator Robert Taft to honor people who do outstanding community service.
The awards are presented on both the national and local levels. According to Mayor Laforet, the recipients of the awards are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward, and Ms. Blake certainly fits into this category.
Ms. Blake has been a long standing member of the and currently sits as the President of the Alliance. Mayor Laforet went on to say that she has worked tirelessly to develop and implement critical youth programs in conjunction with the Mahwah Police Department. “While I’m sure many other communities have their nominated candidates, Carolyn Blake is a special and unique individual who brings so much to the table and, true to her nature, likes to remain behind the scenes with little recognition” stated Laforet. “I think the time has come to let the residents know how extraordinarily fortunate we are to have someone like Ms. Blake volunteering her time in the township.”
Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In addition to her responsibilities as the President of the Mahwah Municipal Alliance, Ms. Blake is also very active in the youth Lacrosse team, has served as an HSO President and has been appointed to a wide variety of programs and fund raising events. Mayor Laforet has worked directly with Ms. Blake and the Mahwah Alliance for many years and has seen the work, time and effort she puts into the programs that truly change lives of the children in the township.
Blake said she was "quite moved" to be nominated by the mayor for the award. "I am so proud to be a part of the MMA. The MMA is truly a team effort and I am a small part of it. We have a wonderful group of people that work so hard. It has been a very positive and rewarding experience."
Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Blake resides in Mahwah with her husband Bruce, two daughters and a son who currently attends Bentley College.
The announcement of the winners of the Governor Jefferson Awards is expected in the next few months.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
