Rise To The Challenge Award Ceremony Thursday At Merriweather Post Pavilion

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Hundreds of community members who gave selflessly at the height of the coronavirus pandemic will be recognized at the special Rise to the Challenge award ceremony at Merriweather Post Pavilion Thursday.

The first-of-its kind ceremony has been designed to show appreciation for public sector employees, healthcare workers, nonprofit partners, business organizations, faith-based leaders and others who helped clients, friends, neighbors and others persevere during the health crisis.

Howard County received more than 400 nominations for Rise to the Challenge awards in 19 categories, including Education Hero, Early Childhood Care, Excellence in Remote Instruction, Nonprofit Innovation, Business Innovation, Business Perseverance, Public Health Hero, Frontline Medical Response, Senior Care Service and Healthcare Hero.

The top winner in each category will receive the Rise to the Challenge Sunrise Distinction designation.

“While we are still on the road to recovery, the time has come to recognize those who sacrificed so much during our darkest hours,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Our community is filled with heroes who pushed through the fear and uncertainty, and whose resolve did not waiver.”

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include food trucks and music by DJ Kopec. Merriweather Post Pavilion is located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia.