Mayor’s Message: Michael Mignogna
Tonight, two members of the Voorhees Community will receive the Camden County Freedom Medals in a ceremony at the Camden County Boathouse. The medals honor those whose unselfish contributions embody the dreams and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Nasim Badat was nominated by Voorhees resident Habib Quaraishi. She has spent her entire life helping and reaching out to those of all ages in need. While principal at the Palmyra Mosque, Badat initiated an innovative speech competition, helping students improve their public speaking skills. She also helped organize the interfaith dialogue program between Jews, Christians and Muslims. She has spent much of her life building bridges, not walls, by organizing events bringing people of all races and ethnicities together, while celebrating their differences.
Mary Lamielle, who was nominated by Diane Reibel, is the founder and president of the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies. She has spent much of her life as an advocate for those who have fallen ill from exposure to chemicals. Lamielle’s efforts led to a comprehensive study on chemical sensitivity, which received the prestigious Macedo Award from the World Health Organization. Lamielle also recently received the 2011 New Jersey Governor’s Jefferson Award and a 2010 US EPA Region 2 Environmental Quality Award.
The Camden County Freeholders started awarding the prestigious medal to county residents in 2001 in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. This year’s award will go to 13 people who were selected by an independent committee. Each nomination included an essay in support of the nominee’s accomplishments.
Congratulations to all honorees, especially those members of our Voorhees family for carrying on the dream of Dr. King.
